Mary Jane Johnson

Passed away peacefully at Lightways Hospice on Thursday, September 17th, 2026, at the age of 75.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 54 years Richard H. Johnson, her sons Benjamin Johnson and Samuel (Amy) Johnson, her cherished grandchildren Alexander, Avery, Lincoln, Eleanor, and Fiona, her sisters Ruth (Fred) Pancoast, Linda Pyles, Carol Deeken, her brother Robert Shurr, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents John Shurr and Frances Curtis Peterson, her brother Carl Shurr, and her sisters Marjorie Kiser, Martha Cordes, and Kathryn Barrett.

Mary Jane was born on November 26, 1950, in Danville, Illinois. She graduated from Danville High School, Class of 1968, and was a violinist in the school orchestra. She was a member of the 1968 Illinois All-State Orchestra which performed a concert in Dijon, France. She graduated from the University of Illinois and later earned a master’s degree from Purdue University.

Mary Jane was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Joliet and was a long-time choir member there and at her previous churches in Danville and West Lafayette.

Mary Jane had a varied career, including staff positions at the Danville VA Hospital, Chanute Air Force Base, Purdue University, and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO).

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 805 Western Avenue, Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Bo Mircea officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until time of service.