Patricia Louise Johnson

Patricia Louise “Patt” Johnson, 89, of St. Joseph, MI, peacefully joined our Heavenly Father in the comfort of her home on March 27, 2021. She is finally back in the arms of the love of her life, Bill, singing and dancing together, forever. Patt was born in New Orleans on September 5, 1931 to Dr. Guy and Louise Seymour where “Doc” was stationed. She grew up in Colfax, IL until the family moved to Mattoon, IL in 1946. As a gifted vocalist and pianist, she attended MacMurray College of Music her first year and then transferred to University of Illinois where she became a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Honorary, the Panhellenic Board, the Oratorio Society, and the Concert and University Chorus. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, she met and fell in love with William “Bill” Johnson, her soulmate. After a courtship full of dances, trips to Steak and Shake, and moonlight walks through campus, among other shenanigans, they wed on August 8, 1954. In 1956, they moved to St. Joseph where Bill was hired by Whirlpool and eventually Heath Company. Three children came next: Kristin, Sally and Steve. As a busy mom, Patt stayed active in her community and found ways to continue her love of music and service through the arts and with many organizations, including the Twin City Panhellenic, Twin City Players (lead roles as Marian the Librarian in Music Man and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls) and Monday Musical. In 1967, the family moved to sunny California where “Daddy Bill” worked for CBS’s Music Division. While there, Patt helped organize the Cal State Fullerton Alpha Chi Omega Chapter. Upon returning to St. Joe in 1971, she joined Women’s Service League, becoming President, and served as a judge for the Miss Jr. Miss Pageant. She had a passion for volunteering and served on the Lakeland Hospital Auxiliary board for many years, as the Gift Shop treasurer and buyer, and then Vice-President and President of the Auxiliary. She loved being at the hospital and cherished the friends she made during that time. She was involved in many activities and boards at the First Congregational Church and held the position of Moderator for two terms. Above all, she truly loved and enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother (“Mimi”). She loved John Wayne movies, romance novels and cheering on her kids. She had many friends with whom she loved playing bridge and golf, and watching the horses run at Keeneland and the Kentucky Derby! Her twinkly eyes and beautiful spirit will be greatly missed. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation or First Congregational Church of St. Joseph. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Patt is survived by her children, Kristin Posey of Knoxville, TN, Sally Geldhof of St. Joseph, and Steve (Lisa) Johnson of Shrewsbury, MA; grandchildren, Sam & Sally Posey, Pieter, Max & Ellie Geldhof, and Tanner, Kyle & Brooke Johnson; brother, Guy (Phyllis) Seymour of Arthur, IL; nieces, Michelle (John) Bondi of Plainfield, IL, Holly Seymour of Plainfield, IL, Cynthia (Dan) Schlundt Lindsey of Arthur, IL; and Tracey (Pete) Eichenberger of Tulsa, OK. Patt was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill; parents, Guy and Louise Seymour; son-in-law, Tom Posey; and sister-in-law, Janet Lee Johnson. The family would like to thank Patt’s dedicated caregivers Mary, Beth, James and Renee for their loving care.