Mary "Jean" Johnson

Mary “Jean” Johnson, age 92 went on to be with the Lord on May 9th, 2023 in the presence of her family at her home in Asheville NC. Jean was born in Sayre PA to the late Michael and Mary (Namet) Long. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Michael and John Long, her son, John Morningstar, and son in-law, Phil Gates. Jean is survived by her brother George Long (wife, Billie Long) along with 6 children, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other children who called her grandma. Our “momma” truly lived life to the fullest. Even though she enjoyed the finer things, it was the simple pleasures that brought her the most joy. Family was the most important to her. She shared with us her love of nature, bird watching, star gazing, and collecting many samples of God’s creations. Her love of crafting lives on in each of us; paper snowflakes, making jewelry, and making more “I have something new for you to try” ideas. Her grandchildren were her “snack buddies”. She always had the equivalent of a mini-convenient store nearby. She loved throwing tea parties fit for a queen with porcelain teacups and party hats. Mom loved to read and was always seen with a book in her hand. Over the last few years, she enjoyed fostering and nurturing puppies, kittens and rabbits through Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. She was very proud of her family and loved them all the same: Children – Belinda (Phil) Morningstar Gates, John Morningstar (Val), Dean Morningstar (Judy), David Morningstar (Colleen), Debra Lahnum (Don), Vicky Shah, Stacey Wasielewski (Paul) Grandchildren - Misty Doane (Jesse McClain), Windy Lesser, Lacey Gates, Kimberly Gates, Tommy Gates, Doug Gates, Barbie Morningstar-Phillips (Michael), Meghan Morningstar, Mandi (Kenny) Wieme, Michael (Mary) Morningstar, Patrick (Liz) Morningstar, Ashley (Eric) Sperber, Lindsey (Joe) Carpenter, Marc (Jamie) Morningstar, Whitney Morningstar, Lauren (Jonny) Tanis, Chris Lahnum, Greg (Emily) Lahnum, Tiffany Penaloza, Sean Telfer, Maggie Wasielewski and Zachary (Hayley) Wasielewski Great Grandchildren - Robbie Lesser (Lisa) , Josiah Lesser, Jordan Lesser, Arianna Lesser, Zaxxton Hernaiz, Jericho (Sierra) York, Sinceree York, Tristan (Kari) Couch, Laikyn Couch, and Cedryk Couch, Jamie Morningstar, Ethan Morningstar, Grace Morningstar, Matt Morningstar, Sam Morningstar, Clara Morningstar, Levi Morningstar, Roman Morningstar, Pierce Morningstar, Seraphina Morningstar, Penelope Sperber, Freya Sperber, Riley Carpenter, Wyatt Carpenter, Corbin Carpenter, Beckam Morningstar, Camryn Morningstar, Graham Tanis, Hayes Tanis, Jude Tanis, Corey Lahnum, Nathan Lahnum, Daniel (Tiffany) Lahnum, Owen Lahnum, Adelaide Lahnum, Memphis Penaloza, and Kingsman Penaloza Great Great Grandchildren -Gunner Lesser, Hunter Lesser, Maddox Lesser, Greyson Lesser, Ellyot Clacy, Arthur Clacy, Iris Couch, Ollivander Couch, and Zyndaya York Our mother’s LOVE will forever come down from the mountains through the mists of dawn, out of the gold of the morning sun and the blue of the skies. It will follow us into the valley until the dusk of our days. A celebration of Life will be held at her home on May 27th between 1pm – 5pm at 20 Split Rail Drive Ext., Asheville, NC 28806. Her ashes will be spread in the Pennsylvania mountains and in the Atlantic Ocean at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brother Wolf Animal rescue at bwar.org.

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