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
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
