Valerie Danielle Johnson

Valerie Danielle Johnson, age 17, of Savanna, lived life through her music, creativity, and love for family and friends. She was swept up to Heaven suddenly Friday, June 20, 2014 due to a one vehicle accident between Mt. Carroll and Savanna. Valerie was born February 28, 1997 in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of James and Tammi (Houston) Johnson. At the age of four, she welcomed her sister, Hannah, into this world. Their mother says "Valerie always looked out for her younger sister and took pride in Hannah's accomplishments." She was a great "big sister." At a young age, Valerie found she was skilled at drawing and artwork, she would always continue to express imagination through her art. As a young child, Val would make up songs to sing and as she has grown this extended to including not only making up songs, but answering many questions or offering advice with song lyrics. Her love of the arts included many mediums over the years including photography, drawing/sketching, pastels, dance, voice and instrumental music.

Valerie attended West Carroll High School with the Class of 2015. Her parents say, "Music was her world, her heart and soul would come out when she performed." She was a member of the West Carroll Concert Band, Jazz Band, Show Choir, Concert Choir and Jazz Choir. Valerie excelled with the E-flat and B-flat Clarinets and Alto-Saxophone. She participated in track and many clubs. Valerie enjoyed the opportunity to play in the Dixon and Sterling Community bands, as well as Sauk Valley Community College band. She was so happy to play lead clarinet in "the pit" for the West Carroll Drama Club. She was so proud to include the West Carroll Music Department as part of her family.

Val planned to continue her love of music by becoming a band director. She was looking at several colleges with excellent music programs, but recently decided to pursue her dream of attending Julliard. She was able to achieve a small part of that goal by teaching music at Band Camp this week. She was proud of her clarinet trio she taught.

She loved just being with her friends, laughing and having a good time. She appreciated the uniqueness of each one of them. She once wrote, "When it is raining, a good friend will share an umbrella with you, a best friend will take the umbrella and run away, shouting 'Run Loser Run!'" She liked being silly with her friends, but most of all showed she was very thoughtful, encouraging and just a darn good friend. Valerie always thought of others before herself and loved being there for anyone who needed a listening ear. She inspired others with her beautiful smile and didn't realize just how many lives she has touched.

Valerie worked for the past 2 1/2 years in the kitchen and retail store at Poopy's in Savanna. She loved her Poopy's family and was considered "Peggy's mini-me." Valerie was independent and very proud when she was able to buy her own car because of her work. Her infectious personality and love of singing random songs, often inspired others to sing along with her until the entire crew joined in.

Valerie will be dearly missed by her parents, James and Tammi Johnson of Savanna; her sister, Hannah; maternal grandmother, Natalie Marshall of Savanna; maternal grandfather, Bill Houston of Sabula, IA; paternal grandmother, Joan (Paul) Grissinger of Savanna; paternal grandfather, Edwin "Bud" (Kathy) Johnson of Savanna. Her Aunt Sar and Uncle Jon, Uncle Shawn and Aunt Sarah, Uncle Edwin and Aunt Kim, Uncle Thomas; and her cousins (Trapper, Eva, Kylie, Cory, Kaley, and Abbigail) . Valerie was greeted in Heaven by her paternal Great Grandma and maternal (Great) Grandpa Houston as well as two special Aunts, Kathleen and Elizabeth. Val will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to love her.