Joan “Carolyn” Baker Johnson, 92, a resident of Heartis memory care in Suwanee, GA, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Charles Rex Johnson, having lived most of their lives in Birmingham, AL, and moving to Lawrenceville, GA in the early 2000’s to be closer to their children and families. Graveside service will be held on Monday, April 8th, at 11 AM CST, at Elam Baptist Church Cemetery in Tallassee, Alabama, with Scott Barber of Ennoble Care Hospice officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Versul and Essie Mae Tankersley Baker; her sister, Mazel June Baker Ballentine; and brother, John Donald Baker. Carolyn is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Patty McGhee Johnson of Jasper, GA, and her daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Chris Reinold of Suwanee, GA. Also surviving her are her brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Emily Baker; and her sister-in-law, Virginia Baker. Carolyn relished in the lives of her grandsons, Nathan Johnson (wife, Katie), Kyle Johnson, Jackson Reinold (fiancé, Jasmine Rahaman), Jon Patrick Reinold (fiancé, Alina Marosek), and Max Reinold. She cherished her two great-grandchildren, Jade Johnson, and Wyatt Johnson, and loved hearing all about their adventures. Her nieces and nephews were so special to her – the late Lisa Ballentine; Brad Baker (daughter, Summer); Scott Baker (wife, Janet); and Mike Baker (wife, Anna, and daughters, Lauren and Lindsey); Brandon Baker (wife, Jennifer, and children, Blake, Abby and Jonathan); Leigh Ann Baker Shropshire (husband, Jason, and children, Stephen, Daniel, and Nathan), Martha Johnson Whitt, Libby Johnson, Mark Whitt (wife, Sherri, daughter, Savannah (Nathan Skinner), and step sons, Jeremy and Anthony Poole. Also going before Carolyn in death were beloved brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Billy Ballentine; Frank and Laila Johnson; Byrle and A.M. Daugherty; James and Fern Johnson; and Joe and Mary Johnson.

Carolyn was a wonderful homemaker, and at times, a career woman. She worked as secretary for several different establishments, including Doctor Frank Higgins, M.D.; Alabama Lions Sight Conservation Association; The City of Birmingham Police Department Identification Bureau; The Alabama Dairy Products Association; and later, UAB's Ophthalmology Consult Unit, where she enjoyed “spoiling” the resident M.D.s and renovating the patient waiting area. She was an avid reader, and a lover of music and poetry. Carolyn was also artistic and always had a new craft to make and give (“dream catchers,” glitter ties, custom earrings, and gift baskets). She loved flowers and arranging them, being in the garden club, and piddling in her yard. And she was a particularly good cook!

Carolyn Johnson lived a life of generosity, laughter, creativity, and style! She profoundly touched those she encountered, doling out thoughtful surprises, encouraging notes, and sharing her time and talents. Carolyn added exponential fun to every get-together and threw some great parties! Wherever they lived, Carolyn and Rex forged close relationships with neighbors, church friends, and co-workers, and later bonded with their wonderful caregivers and healthcare providers, ALL to whom our family owes a great debt of gratitude.

Carolyn grew up in Reeltown Baptist church, and later, she and Rex were members of Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church, in Homewood, AL, then Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham. Central to her life was her strong faith in Christ and witness of His presence and guidance in her life to whomever He placed in her path.

The Alabama Lions Sight Conservation Association was near and dear to Carolyn’s heart. In addition to working there, she also experienced macular degeneration and severe vision loss. Memorial contributions to this cause may be made using this link: https://alabamalionssight.org/online_donation.aspx.

Online condolences available: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing - Tallassee, Alabama