Janet Yvonne Thrower Johnson's Obituary
Ecclesiastes 3 NIV
- There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens,
- a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
On February 23, 1953, a precious baby girl was born to Inez Gwendolyn Williams and Luther Thrower in Gainesville, Florida at the Alachua County General Hospital. That baby, Janet Yvonne Thrower, was welcomed into the family with open arms.
She grew up in the Baptist Church and became an Episcopalian as an adult.
She attended public school in Gainesville while living with her beloved and doting grandmother, Marie Spikes. At age 12, she went to live with her maternal aunt, Elouise White (Joseph), in Hampton, Virginia. There, she was a flutist in the Hampton High School Marching Band and graduated with honors.
- … and a time to build,
Janet went on to excel at the University of Kansas where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She spent a semester in France, further developing her culinary skills and mastery of the French language. The
University of Wisconsin was her next stop as she continued in preparation for the tasks to come.
5.… a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, and 6 a time to search ….
9. What do workers gain from their toil? 11. He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
The next few years were spent finding her niche in the work world. Janet found that perfect place and was an outstanding performer in her roles as a classroom and adult education teacher in the Miami-Dade public schools. In 2012, she retired as a curriculum specialist, after more than 35 years of service.
- I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
- That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.
Those who knew her can agree that Janet was all about using her talents to do good wherever she could: whether it was through a piece of handmade embroidery for a new acquaintance; a cake for a neighbor; a box of unique tea for a tea-loving aunt; hot cocoa for her children before they went to bed or a reclining chair for a tired husband.
- Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.
- So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot.
For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?
She was predeceased by her parents and one sister.
She is survived by her loving husband, George Archie Johnson of 32 years;
Sons: Quinn, Shane, and Farrell;
Daughters: Rosa Johnson, Lanette Pope (Juaquine); and Kiana Nakanelua-Johnson (Daughter In-law)
Sisters: Jeanna Pryor, and Ava Gilley;
Aunts: Elouise White; Josie Hayes (Boyzie); Berdell Dubose;
Her In-laws: Sandra Rubin (Joe); Charles Johnson (Vivian); Kathleen Seay; Vanita Mosquera;
Godson: Orion Barker and his mother, Jackie;
And Janet’s many cousins, other relatives, and friends.
We will sorely miss Janet’s caring nature, creativity, and firm, but kind, words of encouragement.
However, we know that she is in a better place and suffers no more. We thank God for sharing with us this “phenomenal woman.”
What’s your fondest memory of Janet?
What’s a lesson you learned from Janet?
Share a story where Janet's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Janet you’ll never forget.
How did Janet make you smile?