Donna Jean Johnson

Donna “Jean” Johnson, 93, of Battle Creek, MI and lately of St. Helen, MI passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at her home. Jean was born September 11,1928, the daughter of Merle and Velda Smith.

Jean married Richard Johnson on June 14, 1947 and settled in Battle Creek. She and Dick also had a summer place, that they lovingly added to and restored over the years, at Lake St Helen where they spent their summers with their daughters.

After having her daughters, Jean decided to go back to college to earn her teaching certificate and graduated from Western Michigan as an English teacher. She started her teaching career at Southeastern Junior High and then progressed to Battle Creek Central High where she taught all of the different English courses from required classes to college prep. She loved the kids and being able to help them navigate their way into adulthood. She retired in 1985 and she and Dick promptly started seeing the USA. They traveled to see kids and grandkids and to go to as many of the grandkid’s sports games and performances as they could manage. Jean was an avid reader, excellent seamstress and knitter. She gave her time to the St Helen Library when she could and enjoyed seeing people there.

Jean is survived by her children, Holly (Randy) Burpo, Karla (David) Okoniewski, Heidi (David) Angood, Kelly (Robert) Mitchell and Mary Lou Claypool; grandchildren Sarah (Brian), Terry (Lucy), Todd (Heather), Andrew (Tim), Trevor (Vic), Kaitlyn (Fabian), Cameron and Jordan (Jake); 15 great grandchildren with one soon to arrive; 5 great great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Patricia Schafer; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Roscommon County Commission on Aging.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen, MI. www.steuernolmclaren.com