Carolyn Johnson

ROCKY MOUNT – Carolyn Louise Johnson’s journey began on December 15^th, 1941, when she was the 1^st child born to the late James and Willie Mae Wilson.  Carolyn was followed in birth by her sisters Willie (Rose), and sister Annie in a small town called Eufaula, Alabama.  Her father James was a share-cropper who did not want his daughters to be raised in the South and work in fields as he did, so he joined the Great Northern migration and relocated his family to Newark, New Jersey in search of a better life.  It was there that the family continued to grow with the birth of Carolyn’s brother David, her brother Robert (dec’d), her sister Donna (dec’d), her sister Dorothy (dec’d), her brother Ralph (dec’d), her brother Wayne (dec’d), her brother Jerome (dec’d), her brother Terrence, her sister Linda (dec’d), her brother Victor,   her brother Marvin (dec’d), her sister Yvette, her brother Darnell and finally her sister Cynthia for a total of 16 brothers and sisters.  Yes, James and Willie Mae were busy!

Growing up, Carolyn had many chores around the house and often played the role of caregiver to her younger siblings.  Coming from such a large family, she honed her skills as a cook and grew accustomed to preparing wonderful meals made with love that nourished the soul.  It’s no wonder that motherhood was such a natural role for her.  When she started her own family with the birth of her son Steven, she was prepared for the assignment.  Steven was followed by another son, Kevin, then a daughter Sherry, another son William (Kanisha) followed by her son Daryl and concluding with the baby of the bunch, her daughter Sharice (Jeff).  Also, she finally found her Prince Charming and spent the last 49 years married to loving husband Johnny Johnson.  Carolyn had a host of grandchildren, two of which she helped raise (Khalea and Travis) and also many great-children who she absolutely adored and were the beneficiaries of affection.

Although Carolyn was fully dedicated to her family, she also worked for the City of Rocky Mount in the Public Utilities department until she retired.  She also went to cosmetology school and upon graduating she opened a hair salon called “La Hair Mirage”.  Many came from far and near not only for a hairdo, but also to participate in the loving conversations and sometime enjoy one of her fine meals.  To know her was to love her.  Her loving disposition and caring style made anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her feel unconditionally loved.  Among her other talents was her sense of fashion.  She had a style of her own.  Her wardrobe contained a wide array of colors and garments that uniquely fit her style from head to toe.  Even in her final days, she made sure that her headwrap was in place and her pajamas matched.

To say that Carolyn loved her family is an understatement.  From attending ballgames, graduations and other significant events, she was always present for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike.  Didn’t matter if it was a backyard cookout or a family vacation in Florida or other destinations, nothing made her happier than being surrounded by her family.  Carolyn cherished making memories and lasting impressions in the lives of those she loved.  In her last year of her life, she enjoyed taking RV trips and constantly talked about the fun she had while looking for the next outing.

If you had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn and was positively impacted in some way, her family asks that you honor her memory in one or all of the following ways.  Turn off the electronics or social media and take a kid out for ice cream and talk to them about their hopes and dreams.   Write a letter to someone and tell them how they have had a positive effect on your life.  Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it.  If you smoke – quit. If you drink and drive – stop.  Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so.  Carolyn would be proud!

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 661 English Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Burial will follow the service at Gardens of Gethsemane, 13670 US 64 Alt Rocky Mount, NC 27801. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 12:45 PM at Johnson Funeral Home.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.