CHARLOTTE “Char” JOHNSON

Char Johnson, 62, was called to her eternal home on Sunday Oct. 9,2022 after a difficult battle with cancer.  Free of the pain and the bonds of this earth, she claimed the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   Char was born on Jan. 14, 1960, in DeKalb Il., to proud parents, Lawrence “Tuffy” and Pauline “Polly” Faber.     She grew up in the Plato Center area on a dairy farm.   One of 4 children, farm life suited her well.   She loved spending time in the barn keeping her dad company and playing with many of her favorite animals—cats!!!   She could tame even the wildest of the barn cats.   She was expert at stealth like strategies while trying to sneak them into the house despite her mother’s rule “NO CATS IN THE HOUSE!”

   At age 5 she could not wait to start Kindergarten.   When she returned home on her first day of school, her mom asked her how her first day went.   She gave a disgusting sigh of disappointment and said “Well, they didn’t teach me to read!”    Eventually she did learn and has been an avid reader ever since.    Getting up at 5 am every morning just to get in an hour or more of reading before tackling her day.

   She attended local schools and graduated from Burlington Central HS with the class of 1978.  

   After graduating she married Michael Johnson.   They made their home in Batavia, Il., where they raised their 2 children, Keith and Renee’.   Keith and Renee’ were her pride and joy.   Nothing made her happier than watching them achieve their accomplishments, and the love they had for her.

   She was a faithful member of Geneva United Methodist Church where she and Keith volunteered for Sunday coffee and numerous other events.

    For over 20 years Char volunteered at the Ride for Kids events, raising money for pediatric brain tumor research.  She worked tirelessly alongside her sister and did whatever was needed to be done to make the events successful.

   Char was a dedicated employee for 42 years at RR Donnelley company in St. Charles. (Her goal was to work there 50 years).   There she made many friends, some of whom stayed her friends even years after they left the company.  

   In 2019 Mike and Char parted ways but she stayed in the family home in Batavia with her son Keith.      

   November of 2020 brought complete joy to Char as she watched Renee’ marry the love of her life, Adam Agnew.   Char loved Adam as a son and was proud to welcome him into the family.  

   2021 brought tragedy to Char when she unexpectedly lost Keith to a heart attack.   She handled his death quietly, with strength and courage, relying on her faith to make it through each day. 

   Only 8 months after Keith’s death Char was diagnosed with cancer.   She again approached this challenge with the same strength, courage, and faith.

  Shortly after Keith’s death, she sold her home and moved to Rockford to be near Renee’ and Adam.   Char had hope that she could beat cancer and would enjoy many years ahead.  Unfortunately, that was not to be. The cancer proved to be extremely aggressive, and on Oct 9 it took her earthly life.     

   Char loved and appreciated the simple things.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, laughing at the silliest of jokes or situations.   

 She will be greatly missed by all she leaves behind.  

   She is survived by her loving daughter Renee’ (Adam) Agnew, her sister Loretta (Steve) Hatch, brother Guy (Diane) Faber, brother -in -law Mark (Lori) Johnson, 6 nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, numerous cousins, and many friends. 

   She is preceded in death by her parents, son Keith Johnson, brother Lennie Faber and niece Melanie Hatch.    

   Per her wishes no memorial service is being planned at this time.