Emily Hargrove Johnson

Emily Inez Hargrove Johnson passed away on August 28th, 2026, at the age of 87 with her daughter Chelle and son Josh by her side. Emily was born in Winston Salem, NC to Inez Swan and Willis Festus Hargrove. She spent her early years in Knoxville, TN and moved to Greensboro, NC where she attended Greensboro Senior High School and Woman's College in Greensboro. Emily married Phil Johnson in 1961. Together for 61 years, they lived and raised their family in Raleigh.

A mother, sister, grandmother, and beloved wife, Emily will be remembered for her generous heart, creative spirit, and, above all, the love she gave her family. Emily was a Mom extraordinaire. Her children often describe their childhood as idyllic, and they credit their mother for much of what made it so. She was always in their corner and always had their backs, but she also gave them the freedom to discover who they were meant to be.

Emily's creativity was woven into family life. Not only did she make birthdays and holidays extra special, but everyday life as well. Later, that same creativity and eye for detail found a home in the family business, where she took the lead in the trophy department at Johnson-Lambe Sporting Goods.

Emily also found joy in her daily walks. But perhaps her greatest defining quality was her big heart. She was always aware of people who needed a helping hand and did not hesitate to do something about it. Her kindness was genuine.

Emily was predeceased by her husband Phil and her sisters, Edith Kelly and Mary Craven. She is survived by her children, sons Rhett and his wife Marci, Josh and his wife Pat; daughters Chelle deBruin and her husband Bill, Blair Wirkkala and her husband Allan; grandchildren Cole, Grey, Stevie, Ella, Maggie, Ashe, Judd, and great grandchildren Beattie Grace, Webb, and Murphy.

The family will miss her behind-the-ear kisses--her signature move which all her kids received when leaving home for school or trips. It was her way of letting them know to be careful and that she loved them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Walk for Hope through www.walkforhope.com

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