Loujane Johns

Loujane Herbert Johns, 79 of North Fort Myers FL, formally Dresden, NY passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. Loujane was born November 10, 1946 in Penn Yan NY to John Herbert and Jeanette Brunson Herbert. Loujane was known for her volunteerism, creativity, fortitude, and devotion to family, friends, and community.

Loujane graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1964. Her yearbook quote was, “To live is not for one’s self alone, but to help others.” She worked at JC Penney for 29 years as a merchandiser until her retirement. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending college, graduating from Finger Lakes Community College in 1998 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. She explored a second career as a news reporter for The Chronicle Express where she applied her love of reading, writing, and photography. Her most memorable article was a feature documenting the history of Yates County’s “Last Man Club”. She interviewed WWII veteran Wilbur Kenney who shared his experiences and memories for the first time in his life with Loujane. The article was read by Senator Charles Schumer in the New York State Senate.

Loujane was dedicated to service and community serving as the first female Mayor of Dresden from 2009 to 2011. Loujane was a devoted member of The Dresden United Methodist Church. Loujane was a life member of Seneca Lake #321 Order of the Eastern Stars serving multiple times as Matron. Loujane was an active member of the Dresden Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and a founding member of Dresden First Responders volunteering as an EMT. She extended her service volunteering with the Penn Yan Ambulance Corps. Loujane received a Golden Circle Certificate from Beta Sigma Phi, an international non-collegiate women' s sorority focused on social, cultural, and civic enrichment, for 50 years of steadfast devotion. Loujane was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed clothing for her family including costumes and formal dresses and taught her daughter the craft. Loujane enjoyed cross stitch and crafting. She was a member of the Lake Fairways Quilting Club. She was an avid reader and trivia buff. She loved word searches, game shows, and once traveled to NYC to try out for Jeopardy. Loujane enjoyed adventure and travel, continually learning about the world and history. Loujane loved music, attending many concerts of varying genres as well as being a pianist. She loved spending time with family.

The family would like to lovingly thank Clinton Crest Manor, the staff of Geneva General Hospital, and UR Medicine Hospice for the exceptional quality of care, compassion, and dignity they extended to Loujane.

Loujane is survived by her son Jamie (Lori) Johns, daughter Joanne (Michael) Emerson, granddaughters Jordanne (Brandon) Hillman, Jessica Johns, Jennifer Wilson, and grandsons Grant (Emily) Emerson, Noah Emerson, and Reid Emerson as well as seven great grandchildren and extended family and loving friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years James R. Johns, her grandson in law Sheldon Wilson, brothers Kevin Brunson, Louis Brunson, and sister in law Sharon Brunson as well as her parents.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 25th, 2026 at 2:00 at the Dresden United Methodist Church, 60 Cornelia Street, Dresden, NY. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer's Association , Clinton Crest Manor Activities Fund, or to an organization of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, Penn Yan, NY. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.townsendwoodzinger.com