Jannette Johnson, 29: Was Seen Walking To Her Front Door In 1985
*Update* Many years ago, remains were located in Kankakee, Illinois, but it was only until 2020 that they were positively identified as belonging to Jannette Johnson. Police have classified her case as a homicide.
“It is our hope that someone in the community will come forward after all these years with information that allows us to close this tragic case,” a press release stated.
Original Story:
The family of Jannette Johnson describes her as a lovable person without enemies. The mother of two was living in Kankakee, Illinois, at the time of her disappearance. On the evening of August 3, 1985, Jannette visited the Party House Bar on Wildwood Avenue before making her way home. Both Jannette’s young daughter and her niece claimed they saw the 29-year-old park her car in the backyard of their house, lock the vehicle, and walk toward the residence.
Jannette Johnson has never been seen or heard from again.
A Short Walk, A Long Mystery
It’s unclear whether or not Jannette actually made it inside her home. Investigators inspected Jannette’s vehicle and found a cigarette in the ashtray, Jannette’s coat and purse, and one widow still partially rolled down. Back in 2015, Jannette’s family sat down with The Daily Journal to honor and share more about Jannette.
“You know it was her way or the highway,” Jannette’s mother, Mary Moore, said. “And I know where she got that. I’m still that way.” She added that she wanted to share Jannette’s story with The Daily Journal because “somebody out there knows something, and maybe it’s time for them to tell.”
Joretha Wills, Jannette’s daughter, relived the last moment she saw her mother. “I can still see her walking in that gate back there, comin’ home,” she said. “I have always thought that she would come home one day. And I can still see it. I would throw my arms around her and lay my head on her bosom. And I’d just cry. I wouldn’t ask any questions about what happened. I’d just hug her, and then I’d take her to the hospital to make sure she was OK. And then we’d talk again.”
She added, “Maybe, somehow, this story would get to my mother, and maybe she could reach out to us if she knew we still cared. And, maybe, the person who took her away from us is getting closer to meeting his God. And he might want to get something off of his chest before his judgment day.” The family has even sought the help of psychics and followed their leads, but described the encounters as “wild goose chases.”
At the time of her disappearance, Jannette Johnson stood 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall and weighed approximately 120 pounds. She had short brown hair and brown eyes. Her hair was straight because she used a relaxer. She was last seen wearing blue and white capri pants, a white top, and white sandals. Jannette would be in her 60s at the time of this publication.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Kankakee Police Department at (815) 933-0425 or their local authorities.
Please share this story of Jannette Johnson to reignite the investigation into her case. She is our sister, and her life matters.
Sources
NamUs
The Charley Project
The Daily-Journal & 2
