Diann Cherie Johnson, 86, of Leesburg passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Diann was born on December 24, 1938, a Christmas Eve gift to William and Fay Brown. She attended local schools and set out on her 20+ year career at JCPenney in Peoria, IL. Diann worked in the furniture and jewelry departments for her entire career. When her furniture was delivered to customers, Diann would often accompany the delivery team to supervise the installation and the ensure customer satisfaction. Diann repeatedly received national recognition for her sales results.
Diann was an incredibly skilled seamstress and owned two very costly sewing machines. She would spend long hours each day at her machines making fancy children’s dresses for her grandchildren and quilts, lots of quilts. Every family member received and cherished the quilts they were given. She also participated in a sewing group making quilts for veterans. Diann enjoyed cards and marbles with her friends and neighbors. She and Carl attended Bingo regularly in the Community Center.
Diann is survived by her husband Carl, daughter Cherie (Rob) Murphy of Washington, IL, a son Russell (Janet) Emert of Peoria, IL and a brother Bill (Carol) Brown of Peoria, IL. She also leaves a step-daughter Cindy (Gary) Wilkinson of CA, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Fay and William Brown and her son Daniel Emert and brother Kirk Brown.