Karen V. Johnson

VIRGINIA BEACH – Karen Gail Vestal Johnson, 63, went to be with her Lord on July 20, 2011. She fought the fight for her life courageously and is finally at peace. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Ben Vestal and her brother, Dennis Vestal.

She was born on June 3, 1948 in Yadkinville, NC where she was raised, attended Chowan College, and later in life, with her tenacity, earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Groce, of Yadkinville, NC; her loving daughters, Laura and Amber Johnson, and their devoted father, Charles S. Johnson, all of Virginia Beach. She is also survived by Stephen and Brian Salyers, whom she considered her adopted sons after their mother, Dottie Salyers, passed away; Karen and Dottie were like sisters for over thirty years. Her four-legged friends were near and dear to her. She was preceded in death by her dog, Rudy, and is survived by her puppy, Raven.

Karen is best remembered for being a dedicated Registered Nurse for many years and particularly loved her work with children at CHKD in Norfolk. She was a friend to everyone, and especially cherished those relationships formed with her fellow nurses in Florida, Virginia, and California. She loved the beach, shopping, movies, and was an avid reader.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the many friends and volunteers who remained by Karen’s side until her final days. Scott Law, Celeste Billups, Jill Sholl, Nancy Becker, and Katie Petersen of Heartland Hospice for their unwavering support and willingness to go above and beyond. Karen and her daughters also received tremendous love and support from Queen Goffigan, her faithful caregiver; Hannah Mason, an angel to her daughters; Tom Clark, her dear friend and #1 mover; Crystal Johnson her friend and “chef”; The Fish and Porter families for their constant love, care, and concern; and Elizbeth Kosnick, who visited Karen weekly and comforted her with prayer and massage.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 6p.m. at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. The family will receive friends from 5-6 p.m. before a brief memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Virginia Beach SPCA. Online condolences may be made at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.