Julia Janene Johnson, 77, of McAlpin, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at Haven Hospice following a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family.

Born on March 20, 1949, in Tacoma, Julia was the only child of Jens and Marie Jensen. During her father's career in the United States Air Force, the family lived throughout Washington State. During her youth, she enjoyed competitive roller skating, playing the piano, and was a longtime member of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

While living near McChord Air Force Base, Julia met George Johnson before his deployment to Vietnam. Their married life began in Tacoma, where their daughter, Janene, was born. The family later moved to New Waterford, Ohio, where their son, Edward, was born. Julia devoted those years to raising her family and creating a welcoming home.

In 1986, Julia and George relocated to Florida and settled in Lakeland, where they established Palm Crest Realty and Palm Crest Haflingers. Julia became a respected real estate broker and enjoyed teaching real estate classes to those entering the profession.

Education always held a special place in Julia's heart. She was proud when her daughter, Janene, entered the field of education, continuing a family tradition of teaching. Julia later worked as a substitute teacher at Suwannee Middle School. She was equally proud when her son, Eddie, entered the auction profession. Together, Julia and George later built GE Johnson Auctioneers & Real Estate, where Julia served as broker and managed the office operations of the business for many years.

In 2004, Julia and George moved to Suwannee County and established their farm in McAlpin. They enjoyed raising Haflinger horses, traveling to visit friends, attending horse sales and antique auctions, and spending quiet evenings on the porch watching the horses in the pasture.

Although she spent much of her adult life in Ohio and Florida, Julia never lost her love for Washington State. She often spoke fondly of "her mountain," Mount Rainier, and enjoyed sharing stories of her childhood in the Pacific Northwest.

More than anything, Julia loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt. Family was always at the center of her life. Her home was known for its hospitality, a cookie jar often filled with homemade chocolate chip cookies, cakes on the counter for George, and homemade pies for holidays and special occasions. Over the years, "Aunt Julie" became more than a family title. Whether related by blood or friendship, many people came to think of her as family.

Julia is survived by her husband, George Johnson of McAlpin, Florida; her daughter, Janene Fitzpatrick and husband Mark of McAlpin, Florida; and her son, Edward Johnson and wife Barbie of North Carolina.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Aryn Fleetwood and husband Beau Fleetwood of Fort Drum, New York; Jordyn Pounders and husband Josh of North Carolina; Justin Johnson and fiancée Haylee of North Carolina; and Emily Lopez and husband Israel of North Carolina.

Her great-grandchildren include Madi Grace Zetterholm, Lorelai Pounders, Benton Johnson, Ryder Lopez, and a new great-granddaughter expected later this year.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Jens and Marie Jensen; her infant granddaughter, Tiffinni Johnson; her sister, LoAnn Owens; and her brothers, Bob Friel, LynDel Nygren, and Edward Nygren.  She is survived by one brother, Everett "Mickey" Friel.

The family extends its gratitude to the caregivers at Haven Hospice for the care and comfort provided during Julia's final days.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, followed by a brief graveside service in the Veterans Section of Live Oak Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the services at the McAlpin Community Center to share memories and celebrate Julia's life.

Please sign the online guestbook and keep her family and friends in your prayers.