Joann B. Johnson passed away Aug. 17 at UCLA Medical Center from complications of a stroke, with Patrick, her best friend and companion of 19 years, by her side.
Johnson was born in Los Angeles in 1932. She lived in Southgate for eight years before her parents, Louis and Alice Kunz, moved her and her sister Patricia, then 14, out to Malibu, where they ran Malibu Builders & Supply Co. Johnson made Malibu her home for the rest of her 70-plus years.
Johnson began her life as an accomplished horsewoman when she was 10 years old. She also worked at the original Malibu Inn, the original Malibu Lumber company and was an excellent waitress at the Paradise Cove Sandcastle restaurant for many years.
Johnson was married to Kenny Johnson and had one son, Daniel. She is preceded in death by both.
Johnson was a grandmother to Jonathan, who resides in Orange, Calif. Her sister, Patricia, is doing well and living in the Malibu area. Johnson was also “Auntie Jo” to 11 nieces and nephews and “great” aunt to many more.
“She will missed very much by her family and friends,” Johnson’s family wrote. “It won’t be the same when we visit the Sea Vista house and don’t see her sitting in her favorite chair, playing cards, doing crosswords, or watching Wheel of Fortune – her great character will surely be missed.”
Johnson was a member of the Neptune Society and her ashes will be spread at sea per her wishes. A private family celebration of her life will be held in the near future. There will be no formal services.