Joyce E. Johnson

Joyce Elaine (Annis) Johnson, age 85, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, at Calais Community Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Charlotte on April 24, 1939, to Russel and Marie (Caler) Annis, Joyce's life was filled with love and dedication to her family.

The 1950s were an exciting time for Joyce. She graduated Pembroke High School in 1957, after Joyce embarked on a wonderful journey when she married her beloved husband, Dwight Laurice Johnson. Together, they welcomed two sons, Terry Johnson in 1958 and Gregory Johnson in 1967.

Throughout Dwight’s distinguished career in the US Navy from 1956 to 1967, Joyce supported their family during their time stationed in England and Maryland. Upon returning to Pembroke in 1967, they purchased a home where they joyfully raised their sons. During these years, Joyce was known for her creative talents, wallpapering local homes and making wreaths, even sharing her skills with her granddaughter’s class. In 1977, Joyce and Dwight ventured into entrepreneurship by purchasing Hatch’s grocery store, which later expanded to include Johnson’s Anex in 1984. After Dwight’s passing in 1995, Joyce continued to run Johnson’s Grocery until her retirement in 2000. Joyce also made significant contributions to her community as a selectperson in Pembroke from 1998 to 2016. She found joy in caring for her grandchildren, which earned her the affectionate nickname of Grammie Joyce among family and friends. Her passion for needlepoint was another cherished pastime.

Joyce is predeceased by her husband Dwight, her parents Russel and Marie Annis, in-laws Kenneth and Ethel Johnson, sister-in-law Eva Annis, granddaughter Kimberly Johnson, and nephews Jerry “Sonny” Annis, Jr., and Lewis Annis. She is survived by her sons Terry Johnson of Charlotte and Gregory Johnson and fiancée Anne (Donahue) of Alexander; her brother Jerry Annis of Charlotte; sister-in-law Susan and husband Robert Ryan of Florida; grandchildren Terry Johnson, Jr. of Charlotte; Dakota and wife Ripley King of Columbia; Spencer and wife Jillian Johnson of Calais; nephew Chris and wife Dawn Annis of Charlotte; as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and dear friends, including Laurie Sprague, who was like a surrogate daughter, and her companion and travel partner Calvin Sherrard.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Calais. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved her.