Janice Johnson

WATKINSVILLE – Janice C. Johnson, 76, died Saturday, November 14, 2009.

A native of Oconee County, she was born on March 11, 1933, the daughter of the late John M. and Willie V. Gipson Coffee. She was raised in Cordele, but lived most of her life in Commerce. She was retired as a buyer and fashion consultant for Cato, but she is best known as an avid gardener and loved her flower gardens. She was a member of the Watkinsville First United Methodist Church. She was a wonderful mom and friend, loved ones stated. Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas L. Johnson; and brothers, Spencer and John Ellis Coffee.

Survivors include children and spouses, Deatrice and James Fountain, Moultrie, Diana M. Whitlock, Commerce, Tracy and Sherry Minish, Houston, Texas, Kim Minish, Athens, and Kelley Minish, Bogart; sisters and brothers-in-law, Robbie and Bob Picha, Sunnydale, Calif., Sally Ann Bagwell, Cordele, and LaCree and Larry Ellison, St. Simons; grandchildren, Jim Fountain, Anna Fleetwood, Justin, Blake and Ashley Fitzpatrick, Tyler, Carson, Chase and Jessica Minish; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 16, at the Watkinsville First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Beth LaRocca-Pitts officiating. Burial was at Oconee Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Watkinsville First United Methodist Church, 1331 New High Shoals Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home West, Bogart, was in charge of arrangements.