Carol and her future husband, Donavon, met as small children attending the same Holmes City church and two-room schoolhouse and later graduated in the same high school class of 1952.
After graduation she moved to Minneapolis and worked in the Pillsbury test kitchens. It was there in Minneapolis, after Don’s discharge from the Navy, that she and Don fell in love. On June 28, 1958, she celebrated the happiest day of her life by marrying Donavon Wallace Johnson. Together they raised three children, Mark (Kao), Dana Wise (Matthew) and Leanne Cook (Todd).
Carol lived a life of service to others. While Don’s early career took the family to Kansas, Missouri, and Texas before finally settling in the Pacific Northwest, Carol was always the loving and nurturing force at home caring for the family. After moving to Bainbridge Island, Carol worked as a medical assistant at the Winslow Clinic for a number of years and touched many, many lives. She volunteered at Breidablik Elementary, helping young ones with their reading. She was a Girl Scout leader and she was also a member of the PEO sorority which raised tuition funds for young women’s education.
Carol and Don were faithful and beloved members of Bethany Lutheran Church; this extended family surrounded them with love for fifty years. She served her church family in many ways: Sunday School and Bethel Bible Series teacher, Altar Guild and Rachel Circle, Quilting, Church Council and the annual smorgasbord.
In addition to her children, Carol leaves behind her sister Shirley Mechels, seven grandchilden: Robert, Brian, Andrew, Reece, Brendan, Jessica, Emily, great-grandson Ellis and great-granddaughter Jovie, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Don preceded her in death in July 2020.
Carol lived a loving, selfless and devoted life as a wife, a mother and a friend. On June 6, with family by her side, she earned her rest and was peacefully raised “on eagle’s wings,…(made) to shine like the sun, and (held) in the palm of His hand.” Her loving smile, joyful laugh and unconditional love will always remain in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Bethany Lutheran Memorial Fund, 7968 Finch Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.
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