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Mrs. Jane Lee Johnson, 81, of Lebanon, passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, at Autumn Trace Assisted Living in Lebanon. She was born Aug. 13, 1942, in Frankfort, a daughter of the late Robert Smith and Margaret Elizabeth (Black) Gibbs. Jane was married to Jerry J. Johnson, President and CEO of Home National Bank in Thorntown, on May 30, 1961. He preceded her in death.
Jane attended Colfax Elementary School and graduated from Thorntown High School in 1960. She then attended Indiana State University from 1960-62, graduated from Purdue University in 1973 with a B.S. in elementary education, and received her master’s degree from Purdue in 1974. She taught for one year at Lincoln Elementary School in Frankfort, and then moved to Thorntown Elementary School where she taught from 1975 until retirement in May 2000. From 2000-2003, she worked for Purdue University as an educational advisor to student teachers.
Jane was involved in many school and community activities. One of her loves after retirement was watercolor painting. She volunteered at the Sugar Creek Art Center for many years, where she was CEO and took several art classes. Jane was also Mrs. Boone County in 1972 and participated in those activities during festival times. She was President and volunteer of the Witham Hospital Volunteer Organization, past member of the Boone County Better Business Bureau, member of the Thorntown Presbyterian Church and the Dover Christian Church.
Jane was awarded the “Hometown Hero” Award given by the Lebanon Reporter in 2011. She also served on the Board of the Western Boone Educational Foundation and was a member of the Purdue Alumni Association, Boone County Retired Teachers, as well as many scholarship educational committees for Boone County schools. Jane was always encouraging young people to better themselves through education.
Survivors include her children, Judi (Albert) Hendrix, Joe (Sheila) Johnson, and Jaime (Danny) Johnson Ramsey; grandchildren, Kassi (Jeremy) Rodibaugh, Trevin (Jessica) Poole, Paige (Clayton) Campbell, Nicholas (Brooke) Johnson, Hilary Johnson, Rylee (Adam) Anderson, and Cole Ramsey; several great grandchildren; twin sister, Janice Kersey; nieces, Kelli (Brian) Heimbach and Michelle (Troy) Martin; nephews, Drs. Patrick (Jennifer) Kersey and Scott (Dr. Tamara) Johnson; and brother-in-law, Don (Darlene) Johnson.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jane was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Johnson and parents-in-law, Thomas and Kathryn Johnson.
Family and friends will gather Monday, Dec. 18, for a funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Shawn Tully officiating in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. A private burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Thorntown.
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Russell Crawford (1960)
Jane, thank you for being such a delightful friend. When I moved to Thorntown in late 1958, Christmas was near and I knew nobody. But, the class of '60 took me in and made me feel welcome. Shortly after arriving in town, someone knocked on my door. Dick Timmons introduced himself and asked me if I wanted to go "bug" around town. Didn't know what bugging around town was, but I went for a nice tour of my new hometown. High schoolers tend to be very clickish, THS was not that way. I set out to find out why. Why was THS and Thorntown so friendly? The entire town and school was welcoming but there were a few ringleaders. Jane Gibbs was one of these unelected leaders. You lead by example. You reached out. As I followed you through life, you continued that role through teaching and mentoring all those who were lucky enough to meet you. They, too, were fortunate to have you in their lives. You were one of God's great gifts to us.
Again, thank you for being a delightful person in my life! Rest well, you have certainly earned it.