Joanna Johnson of Laurel passed away on July 19, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 8, 1941 to the late Thomas Bedsworth and Frances “Dot” Metz Bedsworth. Joanna graduated from Washington High School in Princess Anne.
She retired from the Sussex County Planning and Permits Department, where she worked from November of 1979 until November of 2002. She was a lifetime member of the Odd Fellow Lodge and the Martha Rebekah’s in Laurel. She enjoyed reading and needle crafting, but her favorite pastime was spending time with her family and friends. She loved them dearly and was loved in return by her family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Josiah P. Johnson and his wife Nicole; daughter, Jessica Johnson Smith and her husband Charlie Smith, Jr.; grandchildren, Heather LaMont Walker and her husband Bryan, Josiah Zachary Johnson and fiancée Bethany Sharp, Zayne H. Johnson, Nathaniel J. Smith, and Bryce O. Smith; great-grandson, Owen Patrick Walker; brother, William Bedsworth and his wife Carol; sisters, Cynthia Aurelio and her husband Larry, and Mary Horner and her husband Steve; several nieces and nephews also survive her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John F. Johnson, Sr.; son, John F. Johnson, Jr.; brothers, Thomas “Tucker” Bedsworth and Ronald “ Ronnie” Bedsworth.
A viewing was held on Friday, July 23 at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, followed by the funeral service, officiated by Pastor Larry Whaley. Interment followed in Spring Hill Memory Gardens in Hebron. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Mrs. Johnson’s memory to the American Cancer Society- www.donate3.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345 to donate. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.