Jerilyn Kay Johns

Jerilyn (Jeri) Johns, 75, passed away peacefully, on May 24, 2022, at her home in Lincoln, NE, surrounded in love by her family.

Jerilyn (Jeri) Kay Johns, 75 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on May 24, 2022 surrounded in love by her family.

She was born June 3, 1946 in Omaha, NE to Lyle and Tina Marie Failor (Webb). She is survived by her 3 children, Ronald, Robert and Lisa Johns, her 2 grandchildren, Vincent Lowell and Adanna Paden, and her 2 great grandchildren, Lilly and Laila Lowell. Survived by her siblings; Barry (Desta) Failor, Lillian (Rev Dr William) Jackson, Randy (Karen) Failor, Melinda Failor, Coralee (William) Carver, brother In-law Jerry Rader., and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Tina Marie, and 2 sisters Merrilee and Beverly Lynne.

Eager to establish her own family, Jerilyn married Ronald H. Johns and gave birth to two boys before she turned 18 years old.

Jerilyn wanted a career and attended Beauty School receiving certification as a beautician. However, cutting and styling hair did not become her profession but rather a skill that she shared with and practiced upon her family. Her true calling was helping people and she began that career with Lincoln Action Program. She quickly advanced to become the director of LAP. As director she worked hard to improve the lives of underprivileged and underserved community members while garnering the attention of political leaders. Governor J. J. Exon lured Jerilyn away from LAP to work for him developing low-income programs for the state of Nebraska. Although her experience and knowledge was extensive in her social working career, she aspired to improve herself in this field and went to college at UNL to get her degree in sociology. Even before earning her degree, she went to work for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Over her 19 year career at DHHS she held many positions working as Social Worker, Child Protective Services and Foster Care. Jerilyn would end her career working for St. Monica’s to help women overcome substance abuse. She retired from St. Monica’s one month before turning 70 years old. Her life’s work was one of serving others and making a positive impact on improving their lives. Jerilyn touched many lives while gaining their trust, respect and admiration from clients, colleagues and friends alike.

Jerilyn enjoyed many hobbies that included crocheting, knitting, needlepoint and quilting. Her greatest love was spending time with her family and attending Webb Family Reunions. As evidenced by her life’s pursuits, Jerilyn was a devout follower of the teachings of Christ and loved attending church, praying and worshipping the lord with anyone and everyone.

Celebration of Life Information:
Saturday, July 16 starting at 2:00 pm at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on the NW corner of 84th and South Street. Casual dress, Masks are encouraged.

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