Diane Carter Barnhill Johnson

Diane Carter Barnhill Johnson: August 25 (no confirmed year at her request {so Diane}) – August 30, 2018

Diane passed peacefully, on August 30th, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center from complications related to a heart condition… She is predeceased by her parents, Nathan B. Carter and Clarice C. Carter of Loris, SC; her first husband, Dillon J. Barnhill, of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; two sisters, Jeanette Moorer and Betty Jean Booth. She is survived by her husband, Ted D. Johnson; her 3 daughters, Elizabeth Jean “Beth” (Kurt Scrivens), Tracie Diane (Roy Johnson) and Allison Elease (Jim Maple)… and her grandchildren, Trae Waller (Stephanie {Tracie}), Alexandra Waller (Tracie), Lane Dupree (Allison), Brooke Scrivens (Beth), Landen Maple (Allison), one very special great granddaughter, Emma Lea Waller (Trae & Stephanie {Tracie}), and special, honorary daughters, Michelle Ferguson Tysinger, Rachel Long McKelvey , Kathy Shelley Garrell, Christie Smith, a brother Brian Carter (Ginny) of Longs and numerous nieces and nephews.

Before having children, Diane enjoyed her singing career. She spent a lot of time in Nashville - recording at the famous ‘RCA Studio B’ with a song that made it in the top 20 most loved songs, nationwide- with Dottie West as her back ground singer… Shortly after this amazing journey, she and Dillon decided to start a family… They then made their home in North Myrtle Beach. Diane was active in the North Myrtle Beach community activities back in the 60’s until just recently, when her health became a challenging factor. Because of her civic pride and love of her community, Diane began working with others to better the area for each resident and their growing families. She was Charter President of what was then called “The Plant and Pamper Garden Club” which later became the North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club. Diane and her steadfast friends spent many days enjoying playing Bridge; and it was during this time that she also became an accomplished tennis champion, finishing at #1 in the regional matches. She and Dillon owned a contracting company, building many houses in the North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove areas. Soon, they opened and operated The Embers Supper Club in North Myrtle Beach, clothing stores - The Beach Shop in Ocean Drive and Fontaines in Surfside Beach, The Back Ally and The Barrel - night clubs in Ocean Drive, Barney & Earls convenience stores in Ocean Drive and North Myrtle Beach and the OD Sundries (beach/market) store on Ocean Boulevard, beside the Beach Shop. Diane was diligent in her community accomplishments, also becoming the first female talk show host along the Grand Strand. She maintained this public, civic and political TV show from the late 70’s until the mid 90’s…

She supported all aspects of the North Myrtle Beach community. She also worked with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to establish a Chamber satellite office in North Myrtle Beach, giving the city of North Myrtle Beach their first Visitors Center. Additionally, Diane also worked with many organizations - the American Heart Association - telethons with WCOX in Myrtle Beach, the MDA, the Shriner’s Hospital, the North Myrtle Beach/Horry County PTA, the local Cancer Drive of Horry County and so many others, to raise money and public awareness on their causes.

When she remarried, she and Ted moved to Gastonia, NC, where she became the director of the Chamber, once again organizing fundraisers, enjoying their church family, and working on community projects that she felt would have the most significant impact on the community. Diane never stopped trying to help others… After completing her Masters, then, her Doctorate in Christian Ministry, she worked with individuals - counseling them on how to live a better life, relying on God and faith.

She became a published author, and a celebrated motivational speaker. It was during this time, that because of her virtue, noteworthy achievements, and her significant value to society, that she was listed as one of the select chosen ‘Who's Who’ in America…

But, most importantly, Diane was a true Christian…She loved our God and believed in Jesus - not ashamed to go up to a stranger and just start a conversation about faith… Diane loved her friends and family. She loved her girls, their families, their friends, her community, all that she called her own. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, Christian and community liaison…

We ask that you join us, for a celebration of her life - Visitation will be at Living Water Baptist Church on Saturday, September 1, 2018 from Noon – 1 PM, the funeral service at 1 PM, and immediately followed by the procession to Mt. Leon family cemetery.

A guestbook is available at http://www.leefhandcrematory.com

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.