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Life story

" JoAnne Roberts Johnson, of Ladysmith, VA, passed away peacefully at home on 23 Aug 2025, surrounded by her family.
JoAnne was born 2 May 1943 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Walter and Jean (née Nisbet) Roberts. She was a graduate of Central High School in East Grand Forks, MN, in 1961, then studied at Lewis & Clark College and Oregon State University.
JoAnne returned to Minnesota and married Christian Anthony (Tony) Johnson on 31 Aug 1963. After moving to Ft. Stewart, Georgia, they ultimately settled in Woodbridge, Virginia in 1967. There, they raised three children and were members of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church for more than 40 years. Their time in Woodbridge brought the Johnson family precious memories that they will carry with them forever.
After retiring from her career as the business manager at NVJDH, JoAnne and Tony moved to Ladysmith, VA, to enjoy life at Lake Caroline. The communities of Lake Caroline and Wright’s Chapel United Methodist Church brought JoAnne and Tony new friendships and fellowship to cherish.
JoAnne was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her family and hosting at the Lake, and she shone brightest when in service to her kids and grandkids.
Remaining to cherish JoAnne’s memory are spouse, Tony; children, Cyd Wong and husband, Winston, Holly Ganster and husband, Matthew, and Christian Johnson and wife, Maki Okada; grandchildren, Jillian and Connor Wong; Ruby, Sydney Jane, and Luke Ganster; brother, Gerald Roberts; and sisters, Marjorie Stauss and Delores Meland. Preceding JoAnne in death are her parents, Walter and Jean Roberts.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on 27 Sept 2025 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Woodbridge, VA. JoAnne will be laid to rest at Nisbet Cemetery in Mallory, MN on October 18, 2025 at 2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. "