Mrs. Janie L. Dunbar Johnson, daughter of the late James and Julia Bates Dunbar was born on April 13, 1947 in Dunbarton (Barnwell County), South Carolina. She departed this life on September 8, 2023 at her home in Boston, Massachusetts. Surrounded by her loving daughters and Willie.

Janie attended Barnwell County Public School, where she attended Kelly Edwards High School. At an early age, she joined the Fair Branch Missionary Baptist Church in White Pond, South Carolina. She left South Carolina in 1969 to start a new life for her and her daughter Kearin (Jackie) Dunbar. In 1971, She married Willie Lee Johnson which ended in divorce many years later. Two children were born of this union. Shaleane Dunbar and Florene Johnson.

Shortly after arriving in Boston, she became employed at Massachusetts General Hospital and gave over 25 years of loyal service. After retiring from Massachusetts General Hospital in 1994, her and Willie opened a Soul Food Restaurant called “Janie’s Soul Food”. The restaurant was a huge success but due to caring for and later adopting two sons, DeShawn and Dominic Johnson as well as medical issues, she was forced to retire from that as well. She has been dealing with many medical issues since then and after many years of fighting she finally succumbed.

Janie was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Because of her loving nature she has accumulated many other “nieces and nephews” who affectionately refer to her as Aunt Janie even though there is no blood relationship. Janie was an avid collector of elephant statues, she loved to cook and passing down her knowledge to her children but her favorite pastime was watching her soap operas.

Janie was the last living child of James and Julia Bates Dunbar. Preceding her in death: parents, brothers: James Dunbar, Willie B Dunbar, Harvey Dunbar and George Dunbar. Sisters: Hattie Bell Sheppard, Helen Dunbar, Diane Daniels and three siblings who passed in infancy/early childhood.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories: 13 grand children and 6 great-grand children. Two sister’s in-laws Bessie and Gloria Dunbar both of Boston. As well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

Family and friends invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday Sept 12th 4-6 PM in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills.

Interment at a later date in Williston, South Carolina.