Dorothy Jean “Jeannie” Johnson, 87, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away at her home on April 29, 2023. One of eleven children, Jeannie was born on March 23, 1936 in Salyersville, Kentucky, to the late Fred and Bertha (Allen) Howard.
After graduating from Laketon High School in 1954, Jeannie worked as a housekeeper, a laborer at Sunnyside Farms, and Whitley Manufacturing. After her father had a stroke, Jeannie immediately left her job to care for both of her parents, helping them in every way she could. She did this for each member of her family that needed extra support. Jeannie was kind, compassionate, and loved unconditionally. She had a heart of gold and would give her last dollar to help someone in need. Jeannie was always there to greet you with a hug and smile, and she was never afraid to tell others that she loved them.
Jeannie’s life had many dark days, which included the loss of both of her sons as well as her companion, James “Jim” Schumaker Jr. She leaned on her faith for strength, and her family now has comfort knowing that she is reunited with her sons and family members that went before her. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Claypool as well as Congregational Christian Church in North Manchester. Jeannie enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts, riding her Harley, and being with friends and family. She was also a member of the Wabash Eagles Lodge.
The loving member of Jeannie Johnson will be forever cherished by her brothers, Lawrence “Larry” Howard, North Manchester, and Edward (Carla) Howard, Urbana; sister, Lula Owens-Music, North Manchester; grandchildren, who she raised, Kendall (Karin) Johnson, Dustin Johnson, and Ernest Johnson III; one great-grandson, Landen Johnson; several nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Deanna Howard, Greentown. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents; companion, Jim Schumaker; sons, Howard Ray Johnson and Ernest Johnson Jr.; brothers, Mitchel, Hatcher, Wade, Ken, and Fred Howard Jr.; sisters, Opal Meck and Ora Lee Gillend.
Friends and family may call Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 10:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, County Road 300 East and County Road 1000 North, Servia, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Jeannie Johnson, memorial may be made to the Congregational Christian Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Jeannie Howard has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com