Jennie Lee Johnson

Obituary For Jennie Lee Johnson

Jennie Lee Johnson, 78, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jennie was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on May 18, 1947, to Fred and Shirley Naylor. She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1965 after which she attended Northwest Missouri State and graduated with a degree in English. Jennie taught English in Owatonna, Minnesota for a few years before moving to Ankeny in 1973. She taught English for thirty years in Ankeny before moving into a central administration role. Jennie also earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Phoenix and consulted on curriculum and instruction with various school districts around the country.

On August 16, 1969, Jennie married the love of her life, John Johnson. They remained happily married for 54 years until his passing in 2023. Jennie and John lived in Ankeny, Iowa, for most of their years where they raised their two children, Aaron Johnson and Dana Johnson-Strother. Jennie was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She was known for her warmth, fun-loving personality as well as her willingness to help others. Jennie had a myriad of interests. She enjoyed trying new recipes, baking, outings with friends, traveling, golfing, and she was an avid reader. Jennie and John enjoyed annual trips to Maui, Hawaii, and Palm Springs, California, where they enjoyed months of sunshine and relaxation. These trips included the company of their children, grandchildren, family and friends. Jennie loved spending time with family and was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. She and John were season ticket holders for many years and attended several bowl games to watch their beloved Hawkeyes. They always held one of the best tailgates on campus with their family and friends.

Jennie is survived by her son, Aaron (Alicia) Johnson; daughter, Dana Johnson-Strother (Todd Strother); grandchildren, Cal and Camryn Johnson, and Haiden and Gable Strother; sisters, Sue (Jeff Westberg) and Shannon (Rod Chyma); brother, Lindsay Naylor; brothers-in-law, Mike Eilander and Gary Johnson; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, Fred and Shirley Naylor; sister, Robin Naylor; and brother-in-law, Mike Burford.

There will be no services per Jennie’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the following link: University of Iowa Writers' Workshop.

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