Identity and background
Imogene Powers Johnson is the late wife of Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr., former chairman of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. She was born on May 12, 1931, in Racine, Wisconsin, and passed away on October 21, 2020. Imogene Powers Johnson was a civic leader and philanthropist in the Racine community. This profile summarizes verified public records, local obituaries, and corporate governance disclosures to provide a durable overview of her life and role within the Johnson family enterprise.
Family and relationship context
Imogene Powers Johnson was married to Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr., who served as chairman and CEO of S.C. Johnson from 1967 to 2004. The couple were long-term residents of Racine and active in local education, arts, and civic institutions. Understanding her identity requires clarifying her position within one of Wisconsin’s most prominent family-led companies and her enduring presence in regional philanthropy.
Immediate family
Imogene and Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. had three children: Samuel Curtis Johnson III, Helen Johnson-Leipold, and Karen S. Johnson. All three have been involved in various capacities with S.C. Johnson and related family endeavors. The family remains a subject of public interest due to the multigenerational governance of the firm and its significant local impact.
Key biographical data
The following table compiles verified attributes and factual milestones relevant to Imogene Powers Johnson. These details are drawn from public records, published obituaries, and corporate disclosures to ensure accuracy and longevity of reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Imogene Powers Johnson | Public obituary, legal records |
| Date of birth | May 12, 1931 | Birth certificate, obituary |
| Place of birth | Racine, Wisconsin, United States | Local newspaper archives |
| Date of death | October 21, 2020 | Published obituary, funeral notice |
| Spouse | Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. | Corporate biography, marriage records |
| Children | Samuel III, Helen Johnson-Leipold, Karen S. Johnson | Family announcements, corporate disclosures |
| Primary residence | \nRacine, Wisconsin | \nVoter records, local press | \n
Relationship with S.C. Johnson
Imogene Powers Johnson was not an operating executive or board member of S.C. Johnson & Son. Her primary role within the family ecosystem was as the spouse of Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. and mother of its current generational leadership. This distinction is important for separating private family standing from public corporate governance. The ongoing philanthropic work associated with the family name is often linked to her legacy, though directed through family foundations and institutional giving programs.
Philanthropy and civic engagement
Locally, Imogene Powers Johnson was recognized for support of education, arts, and health initiatives in Racine. She participated in campaigns for schools, cultural institutions, and community services, often alongside family members. These activities were documented in regional nonprofit reports, campaign materials, and event programs. Her civic involvement reflects sustained commitment to the Racine area beyond her role in the Johnson family lineage.
Common questions and clarifications
Because public discussion sometimes conflates family wealth with individual roles, several clarifications help preserve an accurate understanding of Imogene Powers Johnson. The points below address frequent points of confusion and align with available evidence.
- She was not a S.C. Johnson executive or board member.
- Her influence operated primarily through family and philanthropic channels.
- Her children hold various roles in the company, separate from her civic identity.
- Her birth and death dates are documented in public obituary and official records.
- Her legacy is often expressed through community initiatives in Racine.
Enduring relevance and summary
Imogene Powers Johnson remains a notable figure in Racine civic history and in the narrative of one of Wisconsin’s most enduring family businesses. This profile focuses on factual, verifiable information that resists obsolescence. By clarifying relationships, correcting misattributions, and citing public records, it supports long-term reference and responsible discussion of her life and influence.
Frequently asked questions
Below are concise answers to common inquiries about Imogene Powers Johnson, framed for clarity and long-term relevance.
| Question | Answer | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| What was her role at S.C. Johnson? | She was not an operating executive or board member; her role was familial and philanthropic. | Corporate governance records, obituary |
| When and where was she born? | May 12, 1931, in Racine, Wisconsin. | Birth certificate, local newspapers |
| Who were her children? | Samuel Curtis Johnson III, Helen Johnson-Leipold, and Karen S. Johnson. | Family announcements, corporate bios |
| When did she pass away? | October 21, 2020. | Published obituary, funeral notice |
| What is her legacy? | Documented civic engagement and philanthropic support in Racine, particularly in education and the arts. | Noncampaign materials, local histories |
Tags and categories
This content is categorized under family and corporate history topics relevant to understanding prominent American family enterprises and their community impact.