Laura Mae Johns

Laura Mae Johns, 93, of Traverse City, passed into the arms of Jesus at home on October 3, 2025, just a few days shy of her 94th birthday, which she just celebrated in Heaven. Laura was born on October 6, 1931, in Manistique, Michigan, to the late James and Jessie (Johnson) Neeson. She married the late Gerald “Jerry” Fay Johns on March 21, 1951, in Yorktown, Virginia. Together they lovingly raised three children, Sam, Rhonda (deceased) and Vickie (deceased). Laura was a devoted homemaker and also worked for many years in automotive assembly and at the local elementary school. Throughout her life, she lived in Manistique, MI, Virginia, Nevada, Japan, Maryland, South Carolina, and eventually returned to Traverse City, MI, which she called home for the last 59 years. She was a faithful member of West Bay Covenant Church, where she volunteered regularly, and also volunteered her time to the Commission on Aging and the American Cancer Society. In her spare time, Laura enjoyed riding her bike, hiking, singing in the church choir, cross-country skiing, walking, and gardening. She cherished time with her family and neighbors. Laura was a talented crocheter, knitter, and quilter, and was known for being a wonderful cook and baker. She also loved clipping coupons and finding ways to save. She was a true master of thrift and care. Above all, Laura was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, church member, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her son, Samuel (Kathy) Johns, and her son-in-law, Ronald “Ron” Dillie, grandchildren, Katrina DeVries and Eric Johns, 7 great-grandchildren, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry in 1993, her cherished daughters, Rhonda Johns (1958) and Vickie Dillie, (2014), her brother, Glen Neeson; sisters, Dorothy Maher, Margaret Taylor, and Jeanette Meraw. A service in Laura’s honor will be held at West Bay Covenant Church on October 18th at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens beside her beloved Jerry. The family would like to acknowledge the loving care Laura received from so many wonderful people. They particularly appreciate the long-term care from Maggie, her devoted nurse, and Marilyn, her faithful personal and home care aide, both from Comfort Keepers. These ladies went above and beyond. They are very grateful to Hospice of Michigan, particularly for Kelly, Amanda, and Destiny who walked alongside them to usher Laura into Heaven and handle all the end-of-life details. And finally, the family would like to express their gratitude to an army of volunteers at her church who served her in a multitude of ways over the last few years. Memorial contributions may be directed to West Bay Covenant Church or to The Navigators Ministry, account number 38737/Sam Johns.

Laura Mae Johns

October 6, 1931 - October 3, 2025