Virginia "Jinney" Grace (Brown) Johnson

"A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) 

Virginia Grace (Brown) Johnson was born in Indianapolis, IN, on January 8,1935, to Maynard Ray and Lois Hazel (Elliott) Brown. An aunt, upon seeing how tiny she was, remarked that Virginia seemed too big a name for such a little girl. From that day, she became “Jinney,” the lady we love and are honoring today.  

Jinney enjoyed the farm life. She spent much time with her grandparents, Fred and Grace (Shelby) Elliott, on their farm. She often reminisced about hearing rain on the tin roof over her room at their house. She also loved her horse, Becky. 

Jinney met Ralph Johnson when she worked in the insurance office at Eli Lilly Company. He was smitten at once, often showing up to watch her sing in the company choir. They were married on August 17, 1958. A daughter (Linda Ellen) and two sons, (Jeffrey Aaron and Michael Craig) made the family complete. From that point, her family remained her primary occupation.  

Jinney grew up in church. But at about age 12, she realized her own spiritual need and asked Jesus to be her Savior. She loved the Lord and spent much time studying His Word and talking to Him. She prayed fervently for her family and friends. No request was too small for her to take to the Lord. She once felt bad for a friend missing a hubcap and added that need to her list. 

She made sure all her children were ready for church without excuse each week. She posted Scripture in obvious places throughout the house. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and serving in various church ministries throughout her life. She and Ralph attended Colonial Hills Baptist Church for as long as their health allowed. To know her was to know her Lord. Thoughts and conversations of Him worked their way into every facet of her life. 

Jinney carried a great burden for the spiritual needs of children. Through the Child Evangelism Fellowship Ministry, she hosted a weekly Good News Club, spent many years as the Mailbox Club coordinator for the state of Indiana, and worked in the Good News Caboose at the state fair each year.   

Jinney entered Heaven on June 29th, 2026. Her joy, enthusiasm, sharp wit, and love for the Lord and family will be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, (Maynard and Lois Brown), her husband Ralph, and nephew John Beeson. She looked forward to being reunited with them. 

For now, she leaves behind daughter, Linda (Jon) VanderWier; son, Jeff (Barbara) Johnson, son, Mike (Paula) Johnson; sister, Karen (Manny) Rosato, and brother Mike (Martha) Brown. Survivors also include eleven grandchildren and their spouses, sixteen great-grandchildren with several more on the way, and numerous beloved nieces and cousins. 

Jinney will be dearly missed. We thank her for her fine example as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and Christian lady.  

Family and friends will gather at 10 am on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 8140 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis, IN 460240, where the Funeral Service will begin at 12 noon.

A Committal Service will take place at 3 pm in Union Chapel Cemetery, 9001 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

In memory of Jinney,donations may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, PO Box 348, Warrenton, MO 63383.

https://www.cefindiana.com/  Envelopes will be available at the service.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family with arrangements.

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