Born on February 8, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Shirley and James Johnson, she was the eldest of seven children and a cornerstone of her family.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and James Johnson, and her brothers, Michael Johnson and William Johnson. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Michael Harrison, whom she married on February 11, 1972 just 3 days after her 18th birthday. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two children, Jason Harrison and Amanda Harrison. She is survived by both children, daughter in law August Harrison, brother David Johnson, brother John Johnson (Vicky), sister Cindy Johnson, and sister Cathy Renshaw (Darren).
Jan’s legacy lives on through her seven cherished grandchildren: Lucas, Trinity, Beckett, Maddox, Gibson, Frankie, and Azel, each of whom she adored deeply.
A proud graduate of Ozark High School, Jan embraced a life filled with hard work and passion. She began her career at the Zenith Plant in the 1970s and later worked at the second-ever Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri. In the 1980s, she transitioned to a role as an insurance claims adjuster for GAB. Then, at the age of 37, she made a bold and inspiring career change by joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 124. Jan graduated with perfect attendance in 1996 and specialized in fiber optics, earning immense respect for her knowledge and skill. She retired in 2011, just shy of her 20-year mark with the IBEW.
Jan’s talents extended far beyond her professional life. She was an accomplished seamstress, creating everything from clothes and dolls to baby blankets and robes for her loved ones. She always loved capturing moments as the photographer. She found joy in beadwork, crafting beautiful jewelry, and her true passion lay in genealogy, where she spent decades researching the histories of her family and friends.
Jan will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and loving nature. Her colored pancakes, made with love for family and friends, were a simple yet profound expression of her care. Her love for fishing and fishing stories. Her calls, letters, and catch-ups are second to none. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on January 11, 2025, at Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 2 PM, followed by the celebration of life at 2:30 PM. The family asks if anyone would like to present a story- please contact daughter, Amanda Harrison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a cause Jan passionately supported.
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278
