Janet Johnson
Janet Johnson was an outstanding and caring resident of Port O’Connor from the ‘50’s until her death earlier this year. This charming, little (in stature only), Cajun lady, was born and lived in a small town in Louisiana. She’d heard of the Texas coastal region around here being a place where a person could prosper, no matter their previous circumstances, and this enabled her to relocate here with her young children – Walter, Billy and Debbie Shotwell.
Janet immediately found employment in many places here in POC. She was one of the many helpful people in the old Strykers. As manager of Payne’s Fishing Center, Janet was known as the voice of Port O’Connor – she’d broadcast the current wind and wave situations, plus sites of fish activity for listening fishermen.
Following her marriage to Lewis Johnson, a retired Navy man, she and Lewis kept a bait shop located on the Intercoastal at the site of the former Bobby’s Baits, and she prepared delicious sandwiches and treats for all their customers. Lewis was renowned throughout this area as an exceptional fishing guide, and the couple hosted many sports writers in their home – Bob Brister being one of them.
Janet and Lewis raised two children of their own – Leafy and Charlie. Janet became a strong voice in the local elementary school’s PTO and took extreme pride in the achievements of her children. Her commitment to her children, grand-children, and great-grand-child was exhibited fully when Hailey Mang, her great-granddaughter came to live with her and Lewis. Hailey showed much scholastic promise, and Janet was so very proud of her, telling us all of what was happening in Hailey’s life.
Lewis and Janet attended many Naval reunions throughout the country. She’d speak with longing to return to those places in Florida, Charleston, and other areas that she enjoyed. She and Lewis had fun renewing old friendships with his former friends and shipmates.
The couple and their children were all here to ride out the strong visitor, Carla, when she came to call. Many homes were destroyed in that storm – many residents were left not just homeless but also without food or water. Janet always spoke with pride of the actions of the Salvation Army – how quickly they came into our area to help. One of the incidents shared was of how everyone had looked for glass bottles, formerly vessels of soft drinks and beer, which were then turned into necessary water bottles for survivors.
Our charming and lovely lady became a member of the POC Service Club. Although she was not a Charter member at the Club’s inception, she was there to fulfill her responsibilities as a member, becoming Secretary, Vice President, and then President for many years. Her primary aim was to have each and every member participate in the various activities of the Club – not to have the President or a few women run everything. Her delight was to see “newbies” and older members all working together on a service project. Additionally, she served as Secretary and Treasurer of the POC Community Center and worked well with many people to help see our community home built.
In her later years, Janet became the manager of Alvin’s Liquor Store, where she welcomed each and every person with a stunning smile and an offer to help. Her genuine goodbye to each was, “Hope to see you once again,” and was accompanied with another memorable smile. When Alvin’s closed, Noral MacCauley persuaded Janet to come work for him at another beverage store. To this day, Noral speaks of his admiration for Janet and her knowledge of the business that she was able to impart to him.
During Lewis’ illness, Janet was his primary health giver. The consuming job was always done with kind words a smile on her face. It can be difficult for a wife to assume that responsibility without additional professional help, but somehow, that indomitable woman was able to accept that role and do it well.
Janet was a member of Port O’Connor’s First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School. She also possessed a strong artistic talent which she exhibited in many ways throughout the years – one being the beautifully formed letters in her handwriting, as she took the proper amount of time in forming them. Her major talent, however, was showcased in ceramics. She was known for her unique ceramic Santa Clauses and spent many hours crafting these items for customers far and wide. Friends would gather at her shop during the season to help her fill her many orders. Her nativity figurines, which she donated to the Port O’Connor Service Club, are always on display at their annual Senior Citizen’s Christmas Luncheon.
I was privileged to serve with Janet as her publicist, her unofficial photographer for the Service Club, and also as her by-the-side assistant – which meant copying papers, filing, and sometimes drawing up an agenda. I treasure those moments I spent with her, hopefully being of help.
I, and so many others, will miss this icon of Port O’Connor, who follows in the footsteps of our two previous and adored women – Clara Hawes and Agnes Valigura.
Memorial services for both Janet and her daughter Debbie LeBouf will be held at the First Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22nd.
