Patricia Ann Johnson

Pat was born in Washington, DC on February 28, 1943. Or, more accurately, as she liked to tell it, she was born in her uncle’s Pontiac on a bridge between Virginia and the District. This fact led to a later nickname that she seemed to embrace: Ponti. Pat was the kind of person it was easy to give a nickname to; she was open, easy going, friendly, and quick with a laugh. You felt close to her as soon as you met her.

Pat is survived by her husband of 59 (!) years, James M. Johnson of Hickory and three sons and their families: Jeffrey M. Johnson with Linda Tiernan-Johnson and daughter Kylie Marie Johnson of Williamsburg, VA; Gary C. Johnson with Emily M. Johnson (née Zanzot) and Chase E. Johnson and Madeleine Q. Johnson of Hickory; and Kurt Johnson with Lori Pyle of Harrisonburg, VA.

Pat and Jim married early in life and got right to work on Jeff, their eldest. Gary and Kurt followed in short order. Collectively, they formed a tight unit, and Pat’s boys (all of them, including Jim) were the beneficiaries of her abiding patience, nurturing spirit, and unconditional love. She wanted the best for everyone, could not stand the idea of someone being unloved or unwanted, and tried her best to make a recalcitrant world bend to her vision of what it should be. Everyone who met her benefited from this aspect of her personality, but her family were certainly the biggest winners.

In addition to being a first-rate wife and mom, Pat had a long and successful career in office administration. She worked primarily in the healthcare and real estate sectors in both Virginia and Arkansas. As in the domestic sphere, she created a welcoming and productive environment in any office where she worked. She was smarter and more perceptive than she sometimes gave herself credit for, but these assets were always apparent to those around her.

Also surviving are brothers William G. Kinsman (with wife Linda) of Williamsburg, VA and Ted A. Kinsman of Barnet, VT. Pat also enjoyed close relationships with her nephews and nieces: Craig Ellis (FL), Jim Ellis (VA), Tess Ellis (CO), Karen Ellis McRaney (TX), and Adam Kinsman (VA). Along with her husband, kids, and especially her three grandchildren, these folks were the center of Pat’s life. She loved them all deeply.

The family will observe a private celebration of Pat’s life at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Carolina Caring: Catawba Valley Hospice House.

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

Drum Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Johnson family.