Northville, MI Mourns the Loss of Beloved 92-Year-Old Jane Garver Johnson

News Summary

The Northville community is grieving the passing of Jane Garver Johnson, a 92-year-old matriarch who touched many lives with her warmth and service. Jane’s life was rich with family, love, and community involvement, making her a cherished figure in Northville after her move in 2012. She is remembered for her joyful spirit and contributions that left an inspiring legacy. Memorial services will be held to honor her life in April.

Northville, MI Mourns the Loss of Beloved 92-Year-Old Jane Garver Johnson

In the lovely community of Northville, Michigan, hearts are heavy as they say goodbye to a cherished matriarch, Jane Garver Johnson, who peacefully passed away on March 12, 2025, at the age of 92. Originally hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Jane’s warm spirit and lifelong dedication to family, friends, and community left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

A Life Rooted in Love and Service

Jane was born on April 3, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio. A true country girl, she grew up as the fifth of seven children on a quaint farm, where her love for nature took root. Her parents, Lief and Lois Kohler Garver, raised a family filled with laughter and love. This solid foundation was evident in Jane’s later years, where she was the proud mother of two children, Wayne and Carol, and a doting grandmother to five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Education and Career

After completing high school, Jane set her sights on higher education at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, where she majored in Home Economics. With her degree in hand, she began her career by teaching high school for a year. However, her life took a turn towards family and community service, prompting her to earn an insurance license. She dedicated her professional life to serving as a supervisor of corporate licensing for the State of Ohio before transitioning into volunteer work.

A Heart for Volunteering

Jane’s commitment to her community was truly inspiring. She was a devoted volunteer at the First Community Church in Columbus, where she contributed her time and talents to various activities. Her involvement didn’t stop there—she was also active with the Columbus Chapter of Home Economists in Homemaking and the Riverside Methodist Hospital Sewing Guild.

Passions That Brought Joy

Jane enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout her life. Whether in the kitchen whipping up delicious recipes, sewing beautiful garments, or nurturing her garden, she expressed love through her creativity. In her later years, she found joy in knitting, particularly making dishcloths for friends and family.

A New Chapter in Northville

In 2012, Jane made the move to Northville, Michigan, to be closer to her daughter, where she quickly became woven into the fabric of her new community. An active member of the First United Methodist Church of Northville, Jane participated in several groups, including Sharing Hearts, Quilters, and the Senior Lunch Bunch. She made many friends at the Allen Terrace Apartments, embracing her new chapter with enthusiasm and friendliness.

Family and Farewell

Jane is survived by her children, Wayne (with partner Alma) and Carol (with partner Cliff), grandchildren Kevin, Kayla, Cliff (with partner Amanda), Alyssa (with partner Ryan), and Mark (with partner Amber), as well as great-grandchildren Georgiana, Hugo, Zoey, and Louisa. Jane also leaves behind her brother Don and sister-in-law Nancy, while being preceded in death by her beloved parents and six siblings.

Memorial Services Details

To honor Jane’s remarkable life, a memorial visitation will be held on April 24, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, located at 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Those wishing to pay their respects can join the memorial service on April 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, situated at 777 Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167.

In Loving Memory

Jane Garver Johnson will be remembered not just for her infectious smile, but for the love and warmth she offered to everyone around her. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests contributions in her memory to the First United Methodist Church of Northville.

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Additional Resources

• Vindy: Jane Garver Johnson Obituary
• Wikipedia: Northville, Michigan
• Dignity Memorial: Jane Johnson
• Google Search: Northville MI obituaries
• Dispatch: Obituary for Jane Garver Johnson
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
• Google Search: Community service in Ohio