On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Toni Johnson gave the universe a final fist bump while listening to Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga's "Live At Lincoln Center" album. Her daughter Amy and her favorite son-in-law John, were by her side. Toni was born in East Patterson, New Jersey on December 19,1926, to Kitty and Harry Holmes. Toni's given name was Olive Ruth Holmes, but as a precocious girl she announced that her name was, and has remained, "Toni". With her parents and sister Dorothy, Toni moved to Massillon, OH. Toni graduated from Washington High School in Massillon (Go Tigers!) and later Kent State University with a degree in biology, English and art. Toni was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. Toni moved to Jackson, MI and was set up on a date with the late Bob Johnson. The two were married on March 22, 1952. Bob and Toni worked together to build their home in Jackson and later, a little A Frame on Lake Michigan. Yes, the two pounded nails, laid bricks, installed plumbing, set windows, and created two cozy places to raise their only child, Amy. The family enjoyed sailing, swimming, walking Lake Michigan's shore, and downhill skiing. While living in Jackson, Toni was employed as an interior designer. Upon retirement, Bob and Toni moved to the Elk Rapids area to be close to skiing, the big lake, and their family. Toni was a proud member of the 70 + Ski Club. Toni had a stroke at 75 while downhill skiing at Nub's Nob. The next year she got back on skis and wrote an article for STROKE magazine titled, "Going Downhill and Loving It" about her experience. When Toni was no longer able to ski on her own, she turned to Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports and skied for several more years at Crystal Mountain. Upon Bob's death in 2014, Toni moved into the Highlander building of Boardman Lake Glens. Toni's family will never forget the loving care, kindness, and friendships she received and made there. Toni's family is also grateful to Hospice of Northern Michigan.

Toni is survived by her daughter, Amy Johnson-Velis, Amy's husband, John Velis, and her beloved grandchildren, for whom she could not be prouder, Emma Velis and Charlie Velis. Toni is also survived by John's mother Joan, and John's brother, Jeff, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her dear husband Bob, her parents, Kitty and Harry, her sister, Dorothy, and brother and sister in laws.

Toni will be remembered by all for her quick wit, her tenacity, her fondness of the big band sound, her adoration of skiing and Lake Michigan, and her love of hot chocolate, chocolate malts and sodas. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. If interested, donations may be directed to Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports, 1212 Anderson Rd., Traverse City, MI, 49686

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference