Joan Johnson, who for decades as a member of the owning family played a key part in the success of Henley-in-Arden operator Johnsons Coaches, died peacefully on 17 December.

As mother of Directors John and Peter Johnson, Mrs Johnson is described by her sons as “our inspiration.” She joined the business when she married their father Roy in the early 1950s, and between them the husband-and-wife team took over the company from the first generation of the Johnson family.

First working in an office role, Mrs Johnson later gained her PCV licence and became one of the first female coach drivers in the country. She later enjoyed a long period as a courier on Johnsons’ holiday programme from its commencement in 1981.

“Mum enjoyed this work immensely, and her smile and enthusiasm were immediately very popular with passengers,” John and Peter recall. Her work in that position lasted for over 30 years until she retired in 2016 at the age of 79. “We operated long-haul holidays back then as well as British and European tours, so mum enjoyed the fact that as a Johnsons courier, he work took her all over the world,” they continue.

Mrs Johnson’s sons highlight her commitment to customer service as something that has influenced how they have continued to develop the business. “It was mum who came up with our strapline that is still in place today: ‘Travel with Johnsons – Travel with Friends’,” they note.

When Mr Johnson Sr died in 1995, Mrs Johnson drove the creation of the operator’s programme of holidays for single travellers, something that it remains well known for.

John and Peter say that as Johnsons Coaches commences a new period in its history, “we will continue to honour her legacy by continuing to care for our customers, staff and suppliers, and deliver the high standards of customer service that mum instilled in us.

“We are all justifiably proud of this business and the legacy our mum leaves us; she will be sadly missed, but she leaves us with so many happy memories to cherish.”

We are most grateful for all the kind messages of support we have received from so many of our customers, staff and friends of the business; they are a great comfort to us all at this sad time, thank you. The funeral will take place at Robin Hood Crematorium, Streetsbrook Rd, Shirley, Solihull B90 3NL, at 1pm on Friday 13th January 2023, followed by a wake at Silhillians Sports Club Warwick Road, Solihull B93 9LW.  Everyone is most welcome.

Mum wants it to be a happy celebration of a good life lived so please don’t feel obliged to wear black! Family flowers only please; there will be opportunities on the day and afterwards to make donations, with the proceeds all going to Children in Need. 

John and Peter