Lois Faye Johnson, 88
Lois Faye Johnson, 88, of Winter Garden, FL passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, with family by her side.
Lois was born March 31, 1933, in Rugby, IN to Harry and Lillian Burch, the 3rd of 6 children. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Muncie, IN which would remain the family home for decades to come. As a child she discovered a passion for singing and spent many years singing in school, church choirs and performing as a soloist. She graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1950.
Lois married Don Mace in November 1950. They were blessed with three children: Sandy, Kerry and Leigh Anne. After brief moves to Mesa, AZ and Tampa, FL, the family settled in Jacksonville, FL. It was in Jacksonville that Lois began her storied career in education, first as a senior English teacher, then as Dean of Girls, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Ever a determined and fearless individual, Lois earned the distinction of being the first female secondary school principal in the Duval County School System. As principal of Fletcher Junior High School, she became an integral part of the Jacksonville beach community, fostering partnerships with area businesses and community leaders to further opportunities for teachers and students. She went on to become the principal of Landmark Middle School, overseeing its construction through its opening, and had the pleasure of helping to name the school, choose the mascot and school colors.
Upon retirement from the Duval County School System, Lois moved to Hillsborough, NC for a position at The National Paideia Center at the University of North Carolina, travelling to schools across the nation to help develop curriculum and teaching practices which foster critical thinking and communication skills so that students can better learn how to earn a living, be an active citizen, and pursue a meaningful life.
Lois was married to Wilmer C. Johnson from 1971 to 1982.
Lois was an avid reader and an active member in many church choirs throughout her lifetime. Other hobbies included travelling, sewing, quilting, and crafts, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children; daughters, Sandra Kay Metzger of Gun Barrel City, TX, Leigh Anne Huckaby (Jimmy) of Orlando, FL and son, Kerry Alan Mace (Donna) of Green Cove Springs, FL; seven grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. She is also survived by three siblings, brother Harold Burch (Judi) of Hahira, GA, sister Linda Dreggors (Willkie) of Glennville, GA, and Robert Burch (JudyAnn) of Palm Springs, CA, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by parents, Harry & Lillian Burch, brother, William Burch and sister, Shirley Quate.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Russell Haven of Rest in Green Cove Springs, FL on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 1:00pm. (Masks are requested, please.) Interment will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Muncie, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lois’s name to:
Alzheimers Association (https://www.alz.org/)
American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org)
ARK – Animal Rescue Konsortium Deland (arkfl.rescuegroups.org)
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720