Karen Culler Johnson

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 Providence 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, N.C. 27408.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Johnson family.