Carolyn "Carol" Brenda Osborne Johnson

Carolyn (Carol) Brenda Osborne Johnson was born November 12, 1940 in Mint Hill, N.C. She was the third of eight children born to the late JB and Evelyn (Dulin) Osborne. Carol passed away surrounded by loved ones on June 8, 2022.

Carol grew up in Mint Hill, North Carolina, graduating from East Mecklenburg High School. A few years after graduation, she married C. Vance Johnson Jr. The next two decades of her life were dedicated to raising her children and assisting her husband in ministry. When her marriage ended, Carol enrolled in college and while working and managing a family, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Memphis State University. She began her teaching career in Memphis and then later in Pulaski, TN. Carol eventually returned to Mint Hill in 1996 to help care for her ailing mother. Carol taught at Central Cabarrus High School in Cabarrus County and Independence High School in Mecklenburg County before retiring.

Carol was very industrious and creative. While raising her family, she was always making decorative items for her home and for family and friends. She was quite skilled in refurbishing and making furniture as well. During her time in Memphis, Carol was introduced to one of her great loves ¬– ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing brought such immense joy to her life that, after returning to Mint Hill, Carol endeavored to make it accessible and affordable to everyone. In the late 1990s, she began leading classes in ballroom dance in the Charlotte area and continued that mission for more than 20 years. Carol was greatly invested in her many students and took pride in her role in promoting ballroom dancing.

Carol was known for her abundant generosity. Over the years, she opened her home to friends and family in need, prepared food for those sick in body or spirit, gave money to people who were in a tight spot and to organizations that supported the forgotten ones of society. She also gave selflessly of her time to listen to the joys and concerns of those in her life. Her children, and certainly others, witnessed the power of Carol’s gentle spirit and her choice to lovingly extend grace and forgiveness. In a world that is quick to judge and marginalize, Carol saw all people as children of God, deserving of love. Her radiant smile and warm hugs will be deeply missed.

Carol was the proud and devoted mother of Wesley Johnson, Shelly Maxwell (Neal), and Paul Johnson and the beloved grandmother (Mimi) of Anna, Julia, Laura, and Lydia Maxwell and Eve Johnson. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Helen Hagler (the late Ernest), Wayne Osborne ( Barbara), Dave Osborne, Wanda Kinkade (the late Ken) , and Larry Osborne, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Beside her parents, she joins her late siblings Bobby Osborne (Barbara) and Edward Osborne in Heaven.

Carol’s family would like to especially recognize Carol’s loyal friend, Dave Helfenberger, for his many years of dedication to Carol. The family would like to also thank Morningside Assisted Living of Concord and Hospice of Cabarrus County for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life service will be announced by the family at a future time. The family requests that any gifts of memoriam be sent to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.