Johnna Marie Gaynor

On January 11th,2024, I had to make the devastating decision to let my mother’s body and soul go in peace. In true Johnna fashion, she wasn’t ready to go yet, so she didn’t! On January 22nd, after 11 days, she passed on, to be with the spirits in the sky!

My mom gave me some rad gifts! My Name!! My love for animals, children and teaching me how music can move your soul! Music, all genres!! She was an incredibly free spirit, she lived the YOLO lifestyle (before it was cool). Johnna was down for anything, at anytime and the consequences, well, they were an afterthought. She had a gypsy soul, and was the life of every party (like it or not lol)!She was the 1st on the dance floor so everyone else would get out there! She had a love for animals and loved kids! She loved the Jets, Yankees, Jeff Gordon and classic rock! Live music and anything outdoors in the sun, was her JAM! Music festivals, the river, the beach really anything! She was fun, but spicy!!!! She never took anything, from anyone!

My mom was not perfect, she struggled for many years. She loved me very much, and would probably fight you if you tried to say there was ever a prettier girl than me lol. I always loved her and loved to be around her when I was little, but at times our relationship was hard. The last 8 years We’ve been estranged, by my choice, to protect my children and my mental health. But my mother is a beautiful person and no matter what I’ve always loved her.

On December 3, she was admitted for being found unresponsive, confused and having a high fever. 4 days later it was discovered she had contracted bacterial meningitis.

She was intubated, and sedated. She was no longer able to breathe on her own. The infection made her brain swell and she suffered 3 catastrophic strokes to different areas of the brain. Which sadly had caused major brain damage and affected her ability to function in most ways.

I’m my mom’s only child, and next of Kin. In her last weeks I’d advocated for her, while the doctors advised me to plan for the worst. So, while hoping for a miracle, I now had other things to worry about. How can I do this, how can I make this choice? How I would do everything logically and coming to terms with my responsibility. Then after consulting with her medical team,our family and dear friends, I decided what was best for mom, was to let her go. She is with Pop, grandma Charlotte and Poppy John, she is free of all the things that tormented her body and soul. She is at peace

If you would like to donate, mom didn’t have any final arrangements or plans prior to her passing. All donations will go to final arrangements,memorial and expenses. I would be very thankful for your help in honoring my mom, Johnna Marie Gaynor.

I will be planning a memorial in Columbia, SC in the spring. I will keep you all updated!

Thank you,

Rhiannon Deweeze