Sharon Johnson

Alton: After a tenacious and brave four-year battle with cancer, Sharon Kay Johnson (nee. Hahnerhoff) passed away on June 21, 2015. She leaves behind a large family, many friends, and a cherished local business. Sharon lived a passionate and full life of dedicated and compassionate work, travel, love, entertaining, good friends, and family. And, yes, shopping. Sharon was born in Peoria, Illinois to Arthur and Cecilia Hahnerhoff (nee Lamanski) who preceded her in death, as did her husband, Larry Powers. She leaves behind three siblings, Robert Hanerhoff of Peoria, IL; Arthur Hahnerhoff Jr. of Peoria, Illinois; and Cindy Leah Hahnerhoff of Houston, Texas. Sharon is survived by four sons: Kent Thomas (Lori) of Bettendorf, Iowa; Blake Douglas (Mara) of Portland, Oregon; Lance Christopher (Carrie) of University Park, Texas; and Eric Spencer (Jill) of St. Louis, Missouri, in addition to eight grandchildren (Anna, Erin, Conor, Catherine, Abigail, Spencer, Andrew, and Calder), one great-grandchild (Jayden), and her former husband, Larry Johnson of Godfrey, Illinois. Together with Larry Johnson, Sharon raised four sons while also traveling the world. During their almost eight years living overseas, Sharon taught English in American schools in both Germany and Iran while Larry worked for the Department of Defense. After returning to Illinois, Sharon earned her advanced degrees and began her career in speech therapy. Sharon earned a bachelor of arts from Southern Illinois University, a master of science from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and a PhD from St. Louis University. In 1985, Sharon founded Practical Rehab Services, which has provided medical rehabilitation services in the area for 30 years. She was a very respected, beloved, and dedicated clinician, helping to improve the lives of many local residents through her work as a Speech Language Pathologist. Sharon was an expert in brain injuries and stroke recovery, and was a former president of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois. An active member of the Alton business community, Sharon was the first woman president of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club as well as a passionate supporter of Alton and the greater St. Louis area. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 10 at Evangelical UCC Church in Godfrey, Illinois. Memorials in honor of Sharon can be made to Alton-Godfrey Rotary Scholarship Fund or The Jacoby Arts Center