Obituary of Joyce Ann Johnson

Mrs. Joyce Ann Johnson, 75, of Colorado Springs, passed away May 21, 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born January 31, 1945 in Alton, Illinois to Willis West and Ever Mae (Corley) Harper. Joyce was raised by her maternal grandparents, Melvin and Ethel Corley. She grew up in Alton, Illinois and attended Alton High School. On February 5, 1962, she married the love of her life, Eugene Johnson, also of Alton, Illinois. During their fifty-eight-year marriage, Joyce served as a faithful and dedicated military wife, steadfastly supporting her husband's twenty-eight-year military career, which assigned them to Washington, California, Greenland, Virginia, Japan, Virginia for a second tour, and Colorado. Joyce provided loyal support to her husband and the Air Force, until his retirement in 1989 in the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Although her status as a military spouse required her to move across the United States and overseas, she remained extremely close to her extended family in Chicago, Illinois, which included her mother, sisters, brother, and step-father, Milton Harper. She also had strong ties to South Bend, Indiana where her father resided. Joyce also had family roots in Arkansas and Tennessee.Joyce and her family spent the majority of their military career at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. While there, she developed several long-lasting friendships, was involved in various activities with the base and local community; she also served as "Team Mom" for the youth sports her sons participated in. While in Virginia, Joyce was also a long-time employee of Avon. In 1983, Joyce and her family left Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and planted roots in Colorado Springs when her husband was assigned to Peterson Air Force Base. As a Colorado Springs resident for thirty-seven years, she picked up where she left off in Virginia. She quickly developed beloved friendships, got back involved supporting youth sports as a "Team Mom" and also became an employee of School District 11. In 1989, her status as an Active Duty spouse changed when her husband retired, but she remained a loyal supporter of the U.S. Armed Services as she had one son retire from the U.S. Army, one son who served in the U.S. Air Force, and one son currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. She also has a son in the banking industry, who she also supported relentlessly. Additionally, Joyce remained a long-time employee of School District 11 and retired in 2004.Joyce was a virtuous woman of Christian faith. She had a passion for music and cooking, and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce could always be counted on to grace any occasion. Her beautiful smile, genuine heart and kindness attracted many people, as evident by her countless bonds of friendship. She always brought laughter and "joy" to any situation and was the pillar of strength, courage, and wisdom for her family (Proverbs 31:10-31).She was a devoted military wife, and a loving and nurturing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Joyce is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, SMSgt Eugene Johnson, Sr., USAF, (Ret.); four sons, Eugene Jr. (Rejoyce), SSG Anthony (Jeanne), USA, (Ret.), Lamar (Priscilla) and Col Andre (Cassandra), USAF; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Shirley Turner and Ms. Towanda Davis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Funeral Service, 11:00AM, Monday, June 8, 2020, Restoration Church, 9355 Peaceful Valley Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.Interment, Monday, June 8, 2020 Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce, please visit the Tribute Store on The Springs Funeral Services website, or memorial contributions in Joyce's memory may be made to the American Thoracic Society. Events Funeral Service Monday, June 8, 2020 11:00AM Restoration Church 9355 Peaceful Valley Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925 Phone: (719) 382-8331 Final Resting Place Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925