Petro Gazz Angels’ player Janisa Johnson, who had been battling cancer for almost three years, continued her Volleyball career with the support of her loving parents, father, Anthony Johnson, and mother, Angelica Seales.
Janisa revealed her diagnosis of colon cancer, a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon, on March 17, 2021, and was receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
After three years of fighting, she passed away on May 25, 2024, at the age of 32, and her family announced the news via social media on Tuesday, June 4.
Further, her family shared the heartbreaking news on her official Instagram account, writing, “In loving memory of Janisa 🤍 We will never forget your beautiful smile. May your last jump be the highest 💫 Rest in peace.”
Janisa Johnson says a mother is the greater gift that life could provide
Janisa Johnson was born on September 22, 1991, in Long Beach, California, to Afro-American parents. Born to a Christian religious family, she also follows Christianity.
She shares a close bond with her mother, Angelica Seales, and often posts her photos on her social media accounts.
On August 7, 2023, Janisa Johnson shared a deeply heartfelt Instagram post. Accompanied by a photo of her mother, she wrote, “Of all the gifts that life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest of them all.“
Her mother has always supported her career, as Janisa has shown interest in sports since she attended Wilson High School.
She used to participate in various sports, including beach Volleyball and soccer.
During her senior year, she led Wilson to the Moore League championship with a 10-0 league record and led the Bruins to a 28-4 record and the CIF semifinals.
In 2006, Janisa won the Laguna Beach 14 Tournament after finishing second in the Huntington Beach Youth Tournament.
Further, after the competition of her high school education, she joined California State University Long Beach and majored in sociology.
She also played volleyball at the University, and as a sophomore, she ranked in the Top 10 in the Big West in both categories.
During her professional Volleyball career, Janisa Johnson met her boyfriend, Gijs Jorna, a Dutch volleyball player who was voted best libero at the 2012 Men’s European Volleyball League.
Moreover, the couple often shared photos of them on social media sites.
Further, according to her Instagram post, Janisa was also close with her boyfriend’s family, as she posted photos of the family celebrating Christmas together.
Additional Information
- Janisa Johnson started her volleyball career in 2018 by playing for Bali Pure in the Philippines.
- In 2008, Janisa earned all-tournament honors at the Junior Olympics, helping the team win the bronze medal.
- Janisa Johnson was 5 feet 8 inches tall and her volleyball position was outside hitter (OH).
