OBITUARY FOR JANET ROSE JOHNSON


Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Janet Rose Johnson, age 78 passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2023 in Jensen Beach, Florida.

Janet and her twin, Jeanne were born in Flint, Michigan to Harold and Marvel Garbe on June 17, 1945.  Her younger brother, Robert Garbe was born in 1952. Their family moved to St. Clair Shores, Michigan where Janet graduated from South Lake High School. She continued her education at the University of Michigan obtaining a degree in Education. It is there, she met her devoted husband of 56 years, Ronald Lee Johnson. The two were married on June 23, 1967 and lived in Alexandria, Virginia where they welcomed their first daughter, Christine Ann in 1970. Shortly after, they moved to Reston, Virginia where they welcomed their second daughter, Teresa Lynn in 1973.

Professionally, Janet began her career as a teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools focusing on early childhood education. It was later on she and her family enjoyed the many travel benefits while working for US Airways.
Janet and Ronald resided in Reston from 1970 to 2001. In addition to raising her family, including several beloved dogs, Janet enjoyed traveling, participating in weekly Catholic mass, gardening, entertaining and visiting with family.

In 2001 Janet and Ronald retired to Jensen Beach, Florida. It was there that she renewed her passion for horses. As a child, Janet fell in love with horses while visiting her aunt and uncle's farm. She and her daughters took horseback riding lessons when she lived in Reston, but it wasn't until relocating to Jensen Beach that she was able to thoroughly embrace her love for horseback riding with ownership. A passionate rider, she spent most days at the stable and developed several meaningful friendships.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Lee Johnson; her children Christine Ann Covey (Joseph) of South Riding, Virginia and Teresa Lynn Sobecki of Ashburn, Virginia; her three grandchildren, Christian Sobecki, Ryan Sobecki and Jordyn Covey and her brother Robert John Garbe. Janet also leaves behind nephews, cousins and many friends. She is predeceased in death by her brother, Douglas Raymond Garbe (1944); twin sister Jeanne L Garbe (1957); parents, Marvel Elizabeth Garbe (1991), & Harold John Garbe (1995), and her grandson Jonathan Lee Covey (1999).

Janet had a full, wonderful life, surrounded by loving family. She lived life how she wanted to, always with a smile and seeing the best in everyone. Janet will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.