Judy Ann Johnson

Published 12:02 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Judy Ann Minton Johnson, 80, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025. Born on February 22, 1945, in Cadiz, Kentucky, she was the beloved daughter of Hazel and Gary Minton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her beautiful daughter, Dana Johnson Tallman.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Layne Johnson; her two sons, Nathan Johnson (Sarah) and Ryan Johnson (Sarah); and her four cherished grandchildren, Mattie Lynn, Caroline Elizabeth, Reese Ann, and Corbin Layne, who lovingly called her “Juju.” She is also survived by her brothers John Minton (late wife, Shirley) and Don Minton (Mary Ann), and her brother-in-law Wayne Johnson (Janie), and son-in-law Ken Tallman (Sarah). She is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Judy and Layne shared a beautiful, faithful marriage built on love, friendship, and deep devotion. You rarely saw one without the other; they truly cherished their life together. Throughout their 58 years of marriage, they traveled the world side by side – exploring Alaska, Yellowstone, Arizona, Florida, and attending the National Quartet Convention every year. Passionate supporters of Western Kentucky University athletics, they were longtime season ticket holders for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Wherever they went, they found joy in simply being together and caring for one another. A faithful member of Living Hope Baptist Church for 49 years, Judy lived a life of service to others, anchored by her unwavering faith. She poured her heart into her career as a teacher and librarian at Warren Elementary School, where she served students and families for over 30 years. Her deep bond with her colleagues and friends remained strong long after her retirement.

Juju’s greatest joy was her family, and she rarely missed a moment to celebrate their lives. Nearly every evening, you could find her in the audience at a choir concert, baseball game, musical, awards ceremonies, lacrosse match, or football game, cheering on her grandchildren with pride and love. She loved going to lunch together and shopping with or for the grandkids. No matter the moment, she was always fully present. Sunday nights were special to Judy – for over 30 years, she gathered faithfully with her dear friends.

She also shared her gifts generously, especially through her delicious home-cooked meals. Family favorites included her vegetables, turkey dressing, manicotti, roast, Greek chicken, and her famous yellow cake with chocolate icing.

Judy’s legacy is one of faith, kindness, and love – a life spent serving others with grace and joy. She carried a steadfast faith that sustained her until the moment she met her Savior face-to-face. Her warm spirit, her giving heart, and her unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community will be remembered and cherished always.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 30 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at the Living Hope Baptist Church Chapel. Visitation will resume Thursday May 1 at 11:00 am in the Living Hope Baptist Church Worship Center, Funeral services begin at 1:00 pm, followed by burial in the Bowling Green Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Judy M. Johnson Teacher Scholarship through the Warren County Public Schools Education Foundation at https://www.supportwcps.org/