Janet Kaye Johnson

Janet Kaye Johnson
March 11, 1946 – January 16, 2026

Janet Kaye Johnson entered the world on March 11, 1946, at St. John’s Hospital in Anderson, Indiana—already making a statement by being born with her front tooth (which she stubbornly held onto until age seven). From the very beginning, Janet did things her own way.

Her parents’ love story started when Grandpa Bunky brought Grandpa Don home for dinner to meet Mimi, and the rest was history. Janet grew up surrounded by family, laughter, music, and stories, eventually moving to Indianapolis at just two years old.

As a kid and teen, Janet loved dancing, roller skating, and hanging out with friends. She loved watching American Bandstand with Dick Clark, old cowboy movies with her dad, and nights at the movies or sleeping over with friends. She babysat often, worked in the school office, and proudly answered the phone with, “Good afternoon school 89, may I help you?”—a small moment that made her feel important and joyful. Even then, she knew she wanted to be a nurse and help people.

Music was Janet’s passion. Janet spent her money as a teenager on records and 45’s, loved 1950s drive-ins, and—let’s be honest—Elvis was her man. Frankie Avalon, Brenda Lee, disco, and rock & roll all lived happily in her world. Her first boyfriend, Larry Craycraft, was really more of a lifelong best friend, a theme that fit Janet perfectly—she collected people and kept them forever.
She graduated high school in June and wasted no time getting married on July 19, 1964, after meeting her husband Harmon at just 17. Janet loved roses, lilies of the valley, and snapdragons. Little Women was her favorite book. Blue was one of her favorite colors, and she proudly rocked zebra and leopard print whenever possible. Summer and Christmas were her seasons—both full of joy, color, and celebration.

On September 17, 1968, Janet became a mom to her daughter, Anita Lynn, followed by two sons in 1970 and 1974. Motherhood suited her—she was a natural. In 1975, she and her husband opened Johnson’s Studio, a photography studio. The shop later moved from Frankfort to Indianapolis, starting at Eastgate then moving to Cherry Tree Plaza where the name changed to Brides’ Etc. This shop thrived for many years and it was a one stop wedding wonderland. Janet was the master cake decorator & catered weddings, ran fashion shows, and made magic happen.
Janet embraced farm life and country living for many years. Eventually, her and her husband divorced and she found herself back in the city, working as a CNA in several nursing homes—finally living out that lifelong dream of caring for others.

Later, she returned to the bridal world at Unique Bridal, where she met her boss who later became one of her best friends, Christina Swift. She loved her job, her coworkers, and her friends. Janet had a heart of pure gold. She didn’t judge. She didn’t label. She accepted everyone exactly as they were—open, loving, and fiercely inclusive. Diversity wasn’t something she talked about; it was something she lived.

Janet was a mom to so many people. She even fostered children early in her marriage, She opened her home and heart wide, and earned the beloved title Grandma Jan—though don’t let that fool you. She was also a party girl through and through. Known affectionately as Pussycat and JJ, she loved fun, laughter, and she was a good time!
Janet Kaye Johnson was always a blast. She danced through life with love, humor, and style, and she leaves behind a whole lot of stories, smiles, and people who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

Janet is preceded in death by her daughter Anita and her grandchildren Amanda and Christopher Lisby. Janet is survived by her best friend and sister Linda, son David his wife Shannon Johnson, & their daughter Brianna. She is also survived by her daughter Nina Johnson. Her loving grandchildren Robert, his wife Lindy and her great grandchildren Bentley & Elijah, her great granddaughter Annika & grandson Shane, his wife Annabelle and great granddaughter Delilah. Janet had a long list of medical issues she struggled with later in life, but it never slowed her down she was a fighter to the very end.

She is now at rest and no longer in pain dancing in the sky with many loved ones, forever looking down over her family now an angel in heaven.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Fountain Square Funeral Home, 1420 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203 from 1pm-3pm. Funeral service will begin at 3pm.

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