Mrs. Virgine “Jean” (Powell) Johnson, age 81, of Ottawa, Illinois died in her home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Jean spent the majority of her life in Ottawa, teaching in the Jefferson, McKinley, Deer Park, and Lincoln schools. She was a member of the Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene where she served in the children’s department, choir, library, “Dare to Care” and greeting ministries.
Jean was born to Clyde and Roberta (O’Brien) Powell in Dixon, Illinois on January 30, 1943. She is preceded in death by her siblings Marilyn Smith of Rockford, IL, Maria Smith of Kewanee, IL, Marleen Ports of Polo, IL, and Lanny Powell of Rock Island, IL. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Vernon “Vern” Johnson of Ottawa, IL and children Heather (Dave) Noble of Ottawa, IL, Eric (Jennifer) Johnson of Chattanooga, TN, Kellie (Scott) Meiner of Traverse City, MI, and Kirk (Katie) Johnson of Wabash, IN. Her family is blessed with eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Jean spent her life serving others, first as a Navy wife, then as a mother, and for a total of 25 years as a kindergarten/first grade teacher. The Navy took her as far away as Iceland where she delivered her first two children. She is fondly remembered by her students for her willingness to share hugs. Many at Crossbridge remember her as the lady who first made them feel “at home”. Jean delighted in her grandchildren and found great joy when family and friends gathered around the table. Her motto was “come and sit with us and be part of us.”
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 3, 2024, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Crossbridge Community Church. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Memories may be shared online at www.gladfelter-roetker.com , or condolences may be mailed to Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home, 1601 East Norris Dr., Ottawa, IL 61350. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to “Compassionate Ministries” at Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene, 1130 First Ave., Ottawa, IL 61350 or use the link.
Virgine was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL.