Johnson, Jere Lane

Jere Lane Johnson, 76, of Christiansburg passed away November 4, 2023. He worked as a construction inspector for the state of Virginia for 33 years. Jere was active in shooting sports until covid, then Alzheimer’s. He was always interested in creating things in his wood working shop, gardening and other various arts and crafts.

Jere was born to the late Basil P Johnson, known as ‘Spike’ and Sybil Baldwin Johnson. He grew up with his brother, Don P Johnson and sister, Sandra Johnson McDowell. Don went on to marry his wife, Gayle. They had two daughters, Ronda, who has three kids of her own and the late, Cindy Johnson. Sandra grew up and married her husband, Vernon McDowell. Vernon and Jere were great friends and Marine Corp brothers. Sandra and Vernon have one child Kevin McDowell and his wife, Laura with their two children.

Jere is also survived by his wife, Jo Irwin Johnson; daughter, Sheri Smith and husband, Dewayne. They have three children Cullen, Delaney and Sullivan. Jere’s son Christopher Brian Johnson passed away in 2012. Brians former wife is Sara. They have a daughter, Jere’s granddaughter, Amber Johnson. Pam Perkinson Johnson is Jere’s 1st wife who is also the mother to Jere’s kids, Brian and Sheri. Jeffrey ‘Butch’ Anderson was a great friend to Jere and Jo. He checked in daily and worked to enable Jere to stay in his home. He gave them constant moral support. Also good friend for over thirty years, Darlene Calandra who has always kept in touch and visited throughout the years.

Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 9th with Sam Shupe officiating. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.