Jan Hoover Johnson, 74, and her daughter, Abby Johnson, 46, share more than a home on Isle of Hope — they share a lifetime rooted in Savannah history, creativity, and service. Their family story stretches back generations, tied closely to the city’s early days and shaped by a deep commitment to community. While their upbringing may have followed tradition, Jan is quick to note that their present-day dynamic does not. These days, the pair jokingly compares themselves to “The Golden Girls,” navigating life together with humor and resilience.

Jan married her childhood classmate, Dale Matthew Johnson Jr., whom she met in second grade. His family lineage traces back to the 1700s, with ancestors arriving alongside Oglethorpe and later supplying bricks for Savannah landmarks, including the original Tybee Lighthouse. Dale went on to leave his own mark, building homes throughout the area and developing Sea Side Colony on Tybee Island. He passed away in 1998, but his legacy — and love story with Jan — remains central to their family narrative.

Abby’s path was profoundly shaped by her father’s death just before she began college. She earned degrees in sociology and social work from Georgia Southern University and Savannah State University, and later taught for more than a decade at Georgia Southern. Today, she teaches online for Middle Georgia State University and Bellevue University. Jan’s career has spanned mental health work, teaching, and small-business ownership, including a decade of running Bonaventure Golf.

Their home is lively — and loud — thanks to an assortment of pets that includes dogs, cats, and plenty of personality. Jan brings her artistic spirit into everything she does, from poetry to costume-loving creativity, and even designing a coloring book to help children understand the court system. Abby, a lifelong dancer, trained locally before performing professionally and earning a volleyball scholarship in high school.

Together, they are known for turning connection into action. When COVID-19 began, Jan moved in with Abby, and the two launched a neighborhood Chili Cook-Off to bring people together. Six years later, it remains a beloved tradition. Their involvement also spans the Isle of Hope Art Festival, Citizens Advocacy, and decades of service through the Junior League.

For Jan and Abby, the best memories are often simple: river views that inspired artwork, old VHS tapes played each June 6 to honor Dale, and finding new ways to celebrate holidays together. What they cherish most about Isle of Hope is the same thing they continue to give back — a sense of belonging built on compassion, laughter, and showing up when it matters.