Obituary of JoAnn F. Johnson

JoAnn Fieldhouse Johnson, 92, formerly of Durant Ave. Jamestown, NY, passed away at 12:31 am Friday, August 6, 2021, in the Heritage Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility, Gerry, NY. A lifelong area resident, she was born in Jamestown, NY on August 9,1928, a daughter of the late Benjamin R. and Eva J. Williams Fieldhouse. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1946 and went on to attend Fredonia State Teachers College where she earned a degree in piano performance and music education. JoAnn married Russell LaVerne Johnson on April 12, 1952, and together they enjoyed a lifetime of music. JoAnn was an angel of music. Her music filled her life and her soul. Her greatest delight was to share her talent. She was an elementary music teacher, the director of a children's choir, the director of the Mozart Chorus, and the Organist at First Covenant Church for many years. Russell and JoAnn were co-founders of the Living Christmas Tree at First Covenant Church which was a highlight for many years during the Christmas season in Jamestown. JoAnn was a talented pianist. She played with technical precision and a beautiful touch. After joining the Heritage Community in Gerry, JoAnn continued her ministry through music. She played for the church services for many years and would entertain the residents with "Name that Tune" and at Christmastime she hosted "Carols with JoAnn". JoAnn was a lover of nature, hymns, poetry, and books. She spoke endlessly about the beauty of God's creations, the blue skies, the beautiful clouds, trees, flowers, and the renewal of Spring which led to her favorite season of Summer. JoAnn believed in the power of prayer and positive thinking. She always found the silver lining. She reminded us always to count our blessings. She had a kind and gentle spirit about her that made everyone who knew her feel special and loved. JoAnn will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by three daughters; Nan Lasser (Andrew) of Oakmont, PA, Jan Braeger (Joseph) of Falconer, NY, and Ree Harrington (Michael) of Bethlehem, PA, 8 grandchildren; Allison (David) Sopkin, Max Lasser, Will Lasser, Ryan (Ashley) Braeger, Colin Braeger and Shannon Braeger (Will Soffel), Danny Harrington, Maggie Harrington and 3 great grandchildren; Grant Sopkin, Chelsea Sopkin and Caiden Braeger. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Russell L. Johnson who died November 2, 2010, and her brother, Robert Fieldhouse. The funeral will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, August 9, in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Larry Petry, chaplain of Heritage Village will officiate. Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Monday, one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. You may leave words of condolence to JoAnn's family at www.lindfuneralhome.com.