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Celebrating the life of

Joanne Stephenson Johansen

Passed away on March 22, 2020

Joanne Stephenson Johansen

Joanne Stephenson Johansen, 68, went to be with her heavenly Father on Sunday, March 22, 2020. She was born to John and Lottie Stephenson in Fort Lauderdale, FL and moved to Savannah in 1972.

Joanne attended Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA and Valdosta State. She had a long career as a medical practice administrator with the last practice being Savannah Plastic Surgery. She was active in many medical groups throughout her career and was well respected by many. Her love was her church, Independent Presbyterian Church where she served for over thirty years as the wedding coordinator and had taught children’s Sunday school.

She is survived by her husband of forty-eight years, Paul Johansen, Sr., her son, LCDR Paul Johansen, Jr. USCG and his wife, Tracy and her two grandchildren, Haley and Piper as well as her sisters, Judy Lapish of Macon; Suzy Stephenson of Atlanta; and her brother, John R. Stephenson of Atlanta.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be sent to the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Due to the current health concerns, a private graveside service will be held and a memorial service will be planned at a later date.

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Dear Paul, may you, P.J., his family, and Joanne's sisters forever feel Joanne's comforting and encouraging hugs. You know she would want all of you to live the love she shared with you as you pass it on to others in her memory. God bless!

- Pennie Martin , Melbourne , FL

One of the nicest ladies I have ever met! A true Gem!

- Fred Kidd, Savannah, Georgia

Paul and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful lady.

- Toni and Sharon Merritt, Sumter, South Carolina

Paul. I am so sorry. She was such a wonderful person.

- Ron Fargason, Savannah, GA

Oh how shocked and sad we were to hear the news. We had just seen the both of you at Publix and then we got a prayer request from mutual friends Karen and Hank Mantho who are your neighbors. Paul, we are holding you close in prayer for comfort and strength. She fought the good fight and finished her race. A crown of righteousness and an abundant entrance into glory awaited her arrival. Find joy in the hope of being with her again. With love, Ann and Randy

- Randy and Ann Robertson, Savannah, Ga

Paul and P.J. All the Carsons are so sadden to hear of the loss of your lovely wife and incredible mother. Our prayers are with you in the days to come.

- Lawrence Carson, Savannah, Ga

A candle has been lit!

Sincerely sorry for you loss. She was such a lovely lady

- Sabrina Frazier, Pooler, Georgia

My heart is so saddened to hear of this news. Joanne was a wonderful friend, a mentor, and one of the finest Christian women I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing. Her memory will be in my heart forever. Paul, PJ and Family, may God comfort you during this difficult time. Lots of love, Caren Lee

- Caren Lee, Savannah, Georgia

A candle has been lit!

I am heartbroken to hear about this loss to our community and your family. She was such a wonderful woman. I am lucky to have worked with and learned from such and inspiring and loving leader. She will be missed.

- Angela Sloggy, Savannah, GA

Paul, I am so sorry to hear this about Joanne. Please know Jimmy and I send prayers and hugs to you and PJ during this sad time.

- Jan Union Carnes, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Am saddened by the departure of Joanne; she was a most sweet person.

- Steve Corcoran, Savannah, Georgia

So sorry to lose an Andrew classmate. We send prayers for Paul and the entire family.

- Wesley and June Dull Jones, Moulton, Alabama

I met Joanne 20 years ago at our National Plastic Surgery Administrators Roundtable meeting. Kept in touch all these years, and saw her at our annual meetings, most recently in New Orleans. I loved her dry wit, and respected her vast knowledge of medical practice administration. Praying for her lovely family, coworkers and friends. She will be sorely missed.

- KAREN HUSMANN, HOUSTON, TX

I will miss her so much. She was such a blessing to our book club.

- Grace Herrington, Savannah, Georgia

I'm so saddened by Joanne's passing. I worked for her at Savannah Neurology for 3 years. She was a lovely person and will be terribly missed God bless you and your family at this time.

- Sandy Davis, Savannah, GA

My heart breaks for Mrs. Joanne’s family ! I had the pleasure of being her hairdresser for 10 years . Probably more . She was so much more to me than my client, I loved her stories about PJ ( she often shared stories about his younger years because I have twin boys that are 11 ) , always sharing about her granddaughters and their Mama Tracy ! Mr Paul was always in our conversation especially about work , retirement, trips, the dog , new puppy , church and dates with his grandchildren!! I really feel like I know all of you from visits to Alaska , thanksgiving in the mountains, omg so excited for your new home here in SC , her new puppy who went to school ! She loved and adored all of you so much , besides our Lord and Savior all of you were her everything!! She was a Strong , Amazing, Wife ,Mother , Daughter , Sister and Friend! She was full of Grace and amazing love ! My life is better because of her , she showed me so much love and joy !! I pray for all of you constantly, I pray that each of you find comfort in knowing that you will see her again , and I pray that Haley and Piper know that they have a Guardian Angel watching the two of them always and Always with all of you ! Thank you for sharing your loved one with me !! I love her very much and I am forever Blessed because of her love towards me ! God Be With All Of You , Kristi

- Kristi Walea Miller, Savannah , Ga

I am so, so sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. I loved her dearly and treasure the time we spent talking in the fellowship hall on Sunday mornings. She was so wise and kind and encouraging to me the years I was there. Paul- my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am looking forward to the day of all things made right, all broken things fixed and all tears wiped away forever. Until that day may the peace of our sweet Savior surround you and give you hope. Leslie

- Leslie, DeLand, FL

A candle has been lit!

- Kristi Walea Miller, Savannah , Ga

Paul and PJ, The entire Ward family is heartbroken over the passing of our dear Joanne. Please know we are praying for you both daily, and have you in our hearts. With love, Sandra, Bucky, Kathleen & Ben

- Ward Family , Savannah , Georgia

My dear Paul, on behalf of my family and the Florida Air Academy Alumni Association we are so deeply saddened by this terrible event. I am praying for you and yours during this most difficult time. We love you and are thinking about all of you. Our best!

- Hector Ceballos, Longwood, FL

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Sending loads of hugs your way.

- Missy Jarrott (Rory and Landon Holcomb), Savannah , Georgia

Paul Johansen, Sr.

- Debbie Lawson, Fort Myers, Florida

Paul, PJ, and family, I am heartbroken over the passing of Joanne. She fought the good fight with everything she had! There is comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is at peace. I will cherish the time we spent together these last two years at the Andrew College reunions. I will always remember her dry wit, and the love she had for her family and the Lord! She was so proud of PJ, and we grandmothers shared the love and pride we have for our Grands! Joanne was a class act, and my life is richer for having had her as a treasured friend! Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God lift you up, comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time! In His Love, Debbie

- Debbie Sanders Lawson, Fort Myers, Florida

Joanne will be missed immensely. A testament to her impact on many people's lives. She was instrumental in helping my family get back to Savannah. I learned many valuable lessons during our time working together. She encouraged me and guided me. I am saddened by her passing and offer my condolences to her family.

- Stephen N. Donahue

Joanne was there for many beginnings in our lives. She was a kind, generous person who worked so hard to help guide people personally and professionally. She will be missed. Her family has been in my thoughts and prayers.

- Michelle and David Turley, Savannah, Georgia

Paul, P.J. and family, I was so sorry to read of Joanne's death. Our paths didn't cross much lately but I have a world of memories of the projects we worked on together and time spent when the boys were growing up. First Christian, St. Paul's, scouts, BC. Forsyth Park, Airwolf, so many thoughts come to mind. Joanne always had a smile, was so proud of and dedicated to her family. Please know you are in my prayers. Barbara Presley-Davis

- The Davis Family, Savannah, GA

Joanne was a work-mother to me. She took me in 8 months ago at Savannah Plastic Surgery and cared for me as if I was one of her own. She had so much style she could share some. I thank you Joanne for the love you’ve shown me as a new comer to Savannah! You are truly missed.

- Martin Ade, Richmond Hill, GA

We are so sad to hear of Joanne’s passing. She will be missed by so many. We pray that God will give you the strength to get through this difficult time.

- Annie Schemmel & Jim Winters, Savannah, GA

Joanne was a work colleague, counselor, and good friend for many years. She touched so many lives in so many ways and leaves behind an incredibly rich legacy. She will be deeply missed by many. My condolences to Paul and family - you are in my prayers.

- Barbara L. Davies, MD, Savannah, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

  • A Private Service Will Be Held