Jacqueline Lee Johns

Jacqueline Lee “Jacque” Johns, 84, went home to be with the Lord on November 16, 2025. She was born on February 13, 1941, in Punxsutawney, PA, to William and Nellie Johns.

Jacque moved to Akron at the age of 15 and graduated from Ellet High School in 1959. She graduated from the University of Akron in 1969 and received a Masters Library of Science degree from Case Western Reserve in 1965. She started as the Librarian at the main branch in Akron that year, then later was the Librarian at the Maple Valley Branch for 25 years.

Jacque was an active member of Altrusa International of Akron for 42 years. During her presidency of Altrusa she saw an opportunity to bring literacy and tutoring services to the Akron community. She and two other members received training. Jacque obtained grants to establish the Project Learn Program and helped establish the Summit County Council on Adult Literacy. After retiring, Jacque continued her focus on literacy and became the outreach coordinator at Project Learn at the Twinsburg, Ohio community center. This work entailed an after-school children’s literacy program with wrap-around services for children in grades 1-8 which included helping children with their homework, scheduling speakers, providing dinner, and bussing the children home. A summer enrichment program added additional services which included outings to museums and the zoo. Another literacy program which Jacque established was Project All Reading Children, a nonprofit tutoring program also in Twinsburg, which unfortunately closed in 2009.

Jacque was also an active member at St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Jacque’s memory will remain in our hearts until we meet her again in Heaven.

Jacque is preceded in death by her parents William and Nellie Johns. She is survived by her sisters Gail Springer of Spokane, Washington, Susan Ruge (Charles) of Yorktown, Virginia. She is also survived by niece, Elizabeth (Betsy) Hedgpeth and nephews, Stephen Ruge and James Ruge.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, November 23rd from 2pm-4pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral home, 547 Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44312. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday November 24th, 10:30 am, at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 2603 Benton Ave., Akron, OH 44312, with Reverend Michael Williamson celebrating. Graveside committal Tuesday, November 25 12:00pm at Circle Hill Cemetery, 454 Greenwood Ave., Punxsutawney, PA. To honor Jacque, the family suggests either flowers or memorials to Altrusa or St. Matthew Catholic Church Outreach Ministries.