Jane Jackson Johnson

On August 5, 2025, Myrtle Jane Jackson Johnson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully entered into eternal rest at the age of 85, surrounded by her family.

Jane was born on July 30, 1940, in Lenoir, North Carolina, to David Colter Jackson and Myrtle Peebles Jackson. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Georgia, where she was raised with two brothers and a sister in a home filled with love and grounded in the wholesome values that shaped her life. She attended Evans High School and graduated with the class of 1957. It was during these formative years that Jane developed her trademark warmth, grace, and wit, qualities that would remain with her throughout her life.

In 1966, Jane married Joe R. Johnson, the love of her life and her devoted husband for 59 years. Throughout their marriage they lived in the same house and filled the home with laughter, love and faith. Their greatest gift came in 1969 when they welcomed their only child, Rebecca “Becky” Johnson Etheridge.

Jane was a faithful member of Abilene Baptist Church for 45 years. She sang in the Adult Sanctuary Choir and found deep fellowship in Buddy Blitch’s Sunday School class. Jane joyfully served in many areas of the church, including AWANA, children’s choir, choir administration, Wednesday night supper preparation, vacation bible schools, and nearly all of the Singing Christmas Tree performances. Her faith was evident not only by her acts of service, but in the kindness and encouragement she offered to all who knew her.

She worked as a medical assistant and insurance clerk for several local doctors in the Medical Arts Building before later joining the Columbia County Waterworks and Human Resources Departments part-time, where her dedication and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Yet, her most treasured role came after retirement, when she devoted herself entirely to caring for her two grandsons, Collin and Mason. Her grandsons, lovingly called her “RaRa,” and became the center of her world. She poured her heart into every moment with them, creating a legacy of love and cherished memories that will be carried on for generations.

Jane’s life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her faith, her family, and her community. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved, whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, or her ever-present, kind smile. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and boundless love touched the lives of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Joe R. Johnson; her loving daughter, Becky Johnson Etheridge, and son-in-law, Lee Etheridge; her brother, William “Bill” Jackson; and her cherished grandsons, Collin Lee Etheridge and Mason Joseph Etheridge. Jane was also a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews: Bruce Jackson (Becky), Billy Jackson (Robin), Beth Jackson Rogers (Mike), Mark Jackson (Fredda), Randy Brown, Laura Jackson Phifer (James), Rodney Brown (Kelly), Nicole Johnson Robinson, Natalie Johnson, and Nolan Johnson (Victoria), along with many great-nieces and nephews. Her sisters-in-law, Nancy Gray Johnson and Paula Dukes, also treasure the many memories they shared with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David Colter and Myrtle Peebles Jackson; her brother, David Vernon Jackson (Marion); her sister, June Brown Lanchester; her brother in law, Ned Johnson, her nieces, Cecelia Jackson Givens and Joy Cook Clubb; and her nephews, David Vernon Jackson Jr. and Gary Lawrence Jackson.

Family and friends are invited to honor Jane’s life at a visitation on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Platt’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Abilene Baptist Church with Rev. William Harrell and Dr. Brad Whitt officiating. Jane’s nephews will serve as pallbearers, with members of the Buddy Blitch Sunday School Class serving as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Bellevue Memorial Gardens.

Jane’s family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who went before her, and in the presence of her Savior, whom she faithfully served all her life. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Love offerings may be made to Abilene Baptist Church in her memory.