Anni Josephine Johns

March 1, 1928 — March 9, 2013

Anni Josephine Johns, 85, a 35-year resident of Fairfield, died at 4:14 a.m. March 9, 2013, at NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield of natural causes. God saw that she was getting frail and old; he laid his hand in hers and took hold. So when it came time for her heart to have a rest, it proved to us down here that God only takes the best. Just seven days prior, Anni celebrated her 85th birthday with family and close friends who loved her dearly.

Anni was born in Seinsfeld, Germany, on March 1, 1928, where she grew up in a time of war and had to overcome a series of hardships. One wonderful day, Laurence Ralph Johns was stationed in Bitburg, Germany, and met the love of his life, Anni Josephine Pauly. The two became very much in love and came to the United States, married on May 1, 1959, and became as one, Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Johns. On Oct. 3, 1969, Anni was so proud to have the honor of becoming a United States citizen.

Anni was a woman of nature; she loved the beautiful landscapes and wildlife that this Earth had to offer. Anni was also an accomplished painter of landscapes, loved to sew, needlepoint, crochet, knit, garden and was a spectacular homemaker for her three sons and husband. Anni was also the co-owner of Mail Mart Plus and enjoyed being able to meet many people in the community throughout the years. Some have been customers for years and some were just stopping by for one-time small purchases. Anni treated them all as if she had known them forever and they were all her family.

Anni was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence; sisters, Gretchen and Maria; father, Matthias Pauly; and mother, Eva Pauly, whom all lived in Seinsfeld, Germany.

Anni is survived by her sister, Adelhide; three sons and their families, Lee (Pauline) Johns and their son, Leon; Mark (Lita) Johns and their children, son, Robert, daughters Angelina, Jessica and stepson Rob Diaz; grandchildren, Josephine and Autumn, Michael Johns and his fiancée Maria Irene Ramirez; and several family members in Germany.

The Johns family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Ret. Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Murtha and caregiver Dorothy Nunery for their dedicated loving friendship and selfless care that they provided for our mother. They will never be forgotten.

Viewing is 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Fairfield Funeral Home, 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield, Calif. A graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, Calif.

The family requests that any memorial donations be made to Kids Day of Fishing, Inc., 340-2 Travis Blvd., PMB 320, Fairfield, CA 94533, www.kidsdayoffishing.org; Holy Spirit Church, 1050 N. Texas St., Fairfield, CA 94533, 422-5016, or to one’s favorite charity. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. We will miss you our beautiful lady.

Arrangements under the care of Fairfield Funeral Home, 425-1041.

Brad Stanhope

Brad Stanhope is the Daily Republic's news editor. He began his career at the DR in the last millennium. He spent 17 years as a sports editor and three years as the associate editor before spending three years away from the newspaper (though continuing as a columnist). He returned in December 2010 as news editor. Brad lives in Suisun City with his wife, Mrs. Brad, and two sons. He enjoys cheese.

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