Joy Ann Johnson's Obituary
Joy Ann Johnson was born on November 12, 1947, to Stan and Helen Schliewe. She grew up alongside her big brothers, Grant and Dave, and her identical twin sister, Judy —whom Joy would proudly tell you she was minutes younger than—rounding out a close and loving family.
On April 9, 1971, Joy married the love of her life, Gary Johnson. Together they built a life rooted in family and welcomed three children: Angela Poepoe, Gary Johnson Jr., and Brian Johnson.
Joy pursued her passion for education at Western University, earning her teaching degree. She returned proudly to her alma mater to begin her teaching career at Beach Elementary. When they started their family, Joy left the classroom to run Johnson Trucking and Equipment Sales with her husband, Gary, working side by side and building a successful family business. When her children were older, Joy returned to the classroom, finishing out her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary.
Joy’s love of life, great sense of humor, and kind nature made her a wonderful daughter, mother, grandmother, friend, and coworker, and her patient and kind nature made her a beloved teacher to countless students and families over the years. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, or at home, Joy brought warmth, dedication, and genuine care to all she did.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Stan Schliewe; her twin sister, Judy Miller; her in-laws, Oscar and Mildred Johnson; and her brothers-in-law, Rich and Dan Johnson.
Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her children: Angela Poepoe; Gary and Meggan Johnson; and Brian and Brooke Johnson. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Kaylee and Kyle Morrow, Shane and Austin Poepoe, Davis and Porter Johnson, and Leeland and Linden Johnson, as well as her two adored great-granddaughters, Faye Jane-Ann and Finlee Joy Morrow. She is also survived by her beloved Aunt Joan Nummerdor; her brothers, Grant Schliewe and Dave Schliewe; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
Joy’s warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of life will be held at Whitlow's Forerunner on May 3, 2026 from 11:00AM-2:00PM.
Arrangements made by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services. 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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