Jolene Kay Johnson

Jolene Kay (Mitchell) Johnson passed away unexpectedly due to complications from a long battle with lung cancer on Saturday, December 31, 2022, in Bellingham.  Jolene was born to Lyle and Charlotte Mitchell on December 13, 1945 in Ewing, NE.  She grew up in Whatcom County, graduated from Bellingham High School in 1963, and went on to a long career with the Social Security Administration. In 1980, Jo and her children, Mark and Amy married Skip Johnson and his sons, Pat and Terry.

She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years Allen (Skip) Johnson, her children Mark (Clover) McDonald and their children Sawyer, Kacie Joe, Jessie, and Violet, Amy (Mason) Wauda and their children Makena Jo and Madison Elizabeth, Patrick (special friend Susan) Johnson and his son Ryan (Christy Fisher) and their son Logan, Terry (Kim) Johnson, and Jolene’s siblings Jan Larson, Merlyn Mitchell, Linda Barrager and Larry (Joanne) Mitchell, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that she held dear.  Jolene was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle Mitchell and Charlotte (Hoag) Mitchell, and brothers-in-law Pete Rothenberger, Joe Larson, and Ray Barrager.

Jolene’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild were her pride and joy; nothing brought her more happiness.  She lived for her family and was an amazing Wife, wonderful Mom, and a very special “Grandma Jo, Grammy, and GiGi”.

For many years, Skip and Jolene began each morning playing cribbage together and solving the Wordle of the day.  She loved seeing her beautiful flower gardens and hanging baskets from the kitchen table and on the days she felt up to it, she would roam through her favorite thrift stores finding special treasures for family and friends. She and Skip were known to hop in the truck often and take a drive on a “road less traveled”, quite often ending up near the water, which was a favorite destination.  Jo lived with her whole heart and always put everyone before herself.

While her family misses her more than anything, we are thankful that she is free from pain.  Join us in celebrating Jolene’s beautiful life at the Bellingham Cruise Ferry Terminal Sunday, March 5, 2023, 2:00 PM .  Feel free to reach out to a family member for more information.

In lieu of donations and flowers, please make the time to take a friend to coffee.