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After a lengthy battle, Karen Ray Culler Johnson died at home in Greensboro on April 22, 2022, of pancreatic cancer with the assistance of Hospice. She won on her terms.
Karen Culler Johnson was proud that she was born in Washington, D.C., to Jean Whetzel Culler and Joe Henry Culler. Her childhood was spent in Winston-Salem, N.C., where she graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1972, along with her best friend, Karen Clary. Karen was proud that she began her work life at 16 as a production and retail employee at the Krispy Kreme store on Stratford Rd. in her hometown.
She entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completing her undergraduate degree in 1975. A devoted Tar Heel, Karen made many lifetime friends including her roommate, Jan White Cantrell. Upon graduating Carolina, Karen entered the Atlanta Paralegal School completing the program in May,1976. A lifelong learner, Karen earned her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2008.
Karen's first and virtually only professional job was with the Greensboro law firm of Smith, Moore, Smith, Schell, and Hunter (or some variation) where she was a litigation legal assistant for forty-three years. Karen worked in litigation with outstanding attorneys, notably Steve Millikin, Don Cowan, Jon Berkelhammer, Doug Ey, Pat Kane, and many others until her retirement in 2018.
Karen was active with hobbies, crafts, and community organizations including Greensboro Youth Soccer. In recent years, she has been a follower of the Outlander book series and engaged with outgrowth organizations including travel and seminars in the United States. Unfortunately, Covid prevented her return to Scotland for further research and involvement. However, Karen again made close friends through this activity.
As was always the case, Karen kept her friends very close in heart and spirit, naming a few, Karen Clary, Jeri Whitfield, Holly Grant, Sheri Chamberlin, Tonya Alston-Nettles, EmEm Ikon, all of Greensboro, Jan Cantrell of Ocean Isle, and Susan Swinney of Ashland, Ky.
Karen loved her job, life, family, and her incredible friends. She left us knowing that she was truly blessed.
Karen is survived by her husband, Joseph E. Johnson of Greensboro; five children, Joseph E. Johnson Jr. (Joy Tomas) of Hugo, MN, Jane Woodbury Johnson Williams (Rick) of Charlotte, Cornelia Lynch (Lynn) Johnson Ashby (Thomas) of Raleigh, Llewellyn (Lewis) Woodbury Johnson of Raleigh and Joseph Andrew Johnson of Raleigh. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Chauncey Louise Williams and Ann Hudson Williams of Charlotte, Jackson Thomas Ashby, Llewellyn Edward Johnson, Gavin Joseph Johnson, and Jane Claire Ashby, all of Raleigh, and Jennifer Ella Johnson of Hugo, MN.
One brother, Stephen R. Culler (Bonnie); and nieces, Sara Culler Chatham (Zach) and Wendy Gandy of Winston-Salem also survive Karen.
Karen leaves behind the mother of her children, Jane Young Woodbury of Wilmington; and her "other" children, Dan Wood (Sarah) of Raleigh, Essex Taylor (Abby) of Raleigh, Charlotte Thomas of Raleigh and Katy Villamin (Ian) of Austin, TX.
Karen left life among us on her on terms and timing after receiving care from many dedicated medical professionals with Wake Forest/Baptist, Cone Medical, and Authoracare Hospice.
She had special home caregivers, Shenetta Moore, Yvette Glenn, Jaime Kirby, and Valtracy Delley.
Karen requested in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, or perform an act of kindness on her behalf.
A service celebrating Karen and her life will be held at 1:30 pm, May 1, 2022, at Provident Baptist Church, with close family friend the Reverend Dr. Darryl Aaron presiding, with a visitation from 1:00-1:30 pm prior to the service.
The family will receive guests after the service 3:00-5:00: at home 14 Provincetown Ct. Greensboro, NC 27408.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Johnson family. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/winstonsalem/name/karen-johnson-obituary?id=34418835
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James Higgins
I had heard that Karen was in hospice and was thinking just the other day that I needed to see if I could find out how she was doing. I had a wonderful conversation with Karen at a reunion that must have been 10 years ago now. We were in a lot of classes together at NFSH, and I was always fond of her for her kindness, caring attitude toward all, intelligence and dry sense of humor. My prayers for peace go out to her family and, especially, our dear mutual friend Karen Reagan Clary.
Kris Spainhour (Southard)
Karen will surely be missed.....a wonderful NFHS classmate with an engaging smile and just fun to be around! Prayers for peace and comfort for her family and friends. I know she touched a lot of lives over the years.
Lynn Nance (Hooker)
So sad to hear of Karen's passing. I remember her from elementary school through high school. She always had a sweet smile. Prayers for her family and her dear friend Karen Clary.
Gary Podgorski
Those engaging eyes! That familiar face! That scintillating smile! She never aged. She was and always will be that most energetic, enthusiastic, entertaining young lady/classmate to me as well as to all. And what a wonerful mother! Ten years ago at the 40th reunion, the two Karens and I promised each other that we would attend the 50th this year - she came so close. She talked fearlessly about her illness way back then. She remains a cancer survivor in my memory. I cannot miss her - her eternal kindness is ingrained in my memories. Yet it is so sad. Gary P
Keith Kapp
Karen was one of my favorite people growning up. We went to church together and we were confirmed the same year. I guess you could say she was my first date as I asked her to join me and she accepted my invitation to attend the Rural Hall Cub Scout Square Dance called my Mr. Bill Marshall at the the Legion Hall now Licnese Bureau in Rural Hall when we were in the second grade. (Mr. Marshall also had and played the Chubby Checkers twist record.) Her mother was one of the best grade mothers; she had a great cupcake recipe. Her father was an impressive businessman. We spent sixteen years going to the same schools together. Later in life, in addition to our Class of 72 reunions, I would run into her when she was the paralegal for lawyers to whom I was adverse or co-counsel. The smile, the pleasant voice and the friendly way NEVER changed. God had a great neww angel in heavan. Blessings to you Karen.
Barbara Eddinger (McNeill)
It goes without saying that I am so sad to hear about Karen and I agree wholeheartedly with all of your comments. We had so many fun times together, often getting into situations we shouldn't because we were naïve and trusting or maybe we just believed people were basically good. My mom used to say she was never sure what kind of stories we'd come home to tell. From beach trips, ballgames, to Anchor Club antics and rooming together our Freshnan and Sophomore years at Carolina, we were so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful friends who made those years a rich and memorable ( in a good way😊) experience. I loved spending time at her house; her family was definitely a reason Karen was such a caring and motivated person. We did not see each other much after those roomie days at Carolina, but she left a mark on my life I won't forget and I am thankful for her life and all she did to make this a better world.