Janet Lee Johnston

Born on March 14, 1938, to the late John G. and Pauline D. (Clark) Thompson, Janet was raised in Davison, Michigan, where she would live for most of her life — on the very land that had been her family’s farm. The landscape around her may have changed, but Janet remained rooted: to her faith, her family, and the values that shaped her.

She met the love of her life, Wilson (“Gus”) Johnston, at AC Sparkplug in Flint, Michigan, when she was just 21. They fell in love quickly and married on April 8, 1961. The two would spend 59 years side by side, raising their children and building a home filled with laughter, warmth, and cookies — always cookies. He preceded her in death on Febraury 2, 2021.

She is survived by children Lisa (Rich) Sullenger, Dana (Ben) Stonebraker, Michael (Renee) Johnston; her grandchildren Megan Anderson, Aaron (Isabelle) Sullenger, Alison (Steve) Jakubcin, Bret (Kassondra) Csutoras, Laura (Jonah) Mack, Kara (Zach) Brandell, Cara (Jacob) Walker, Bodan Johnston, nine great-grandchildren, and siblings Mary Joe (LeRoy) Levorson, Barb Austin, Chris (Andy) Pocza-Backus, and Carl (Adrienne) Buch, all of whom knew the joy of being loved by her.

She is preceded in death by her son Eric, brothers John (Phyllis) Thompson, Frankie Thompson, brother-in-law Robert Pocza, and grandson-in-law Rich Anderson.

Her life was a gift. Her memory will be a blessing.

Janet’s memorial visitation will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Burton, Michigan on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Cremation arrangements are being handled by the Bannan Funeral Home – Alpena.

Inurnment: Davidson Cemetery

Memorials in her honor can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School or Hospice of Michigan.