Karen Marie Kivell Johnston went to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday September 29, 2023 at the age of 77. She was born in Columbus, Mississippi to William “Bill” Francis Kivell and Allene Cook Kivell on August 27, 1946.
Karen graduated from Woodlawn High School in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1964 and attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She worked as a bookkeeper for several paper companies in Shreveport, Louisiana and for Mastercare, Inc., a nursing home management company, retiring as CFO in 2012.
Karen was a caring and devoted wife, mom, grandma, family member, and friend who will be missed greatly. Her Christian faith was central to her life, and she encouraged others in God’s love and strength. Karen was a long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and devotedly served in many capacities there. Her loss will be felt deeply by the members of the Celebrate Sunday School class and their teachers, Mike Clingan and Mike Asher. Anyone who knew her, would say she was the “hostess with the mostest” because she was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, especially over the holidays. Karen instilled the importance of family and family traditions in her daughter, nephews and grandchildren who will remember her by carrying those on and passing them down.
Karen was preceded in death by her mom, Allene; dad, Bill; and her brother, Larry Kivell. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Robert “Bob” Johnston; her daughter, Hillary Anne Johnston Wilson (husband, Dave Wilson), four grandchildren that she adored, Skylor Wilson (28), Marnie Wilson (18), Devyn Wilson (16), and Simeon Wilson (1); her beloved nephews, David Kivell (wife, Jessica Kivell), Kelly Kivell, Bradley “Brad” Johnston (wife, Kim Johnston); great nephew, Aiden Johnston (10); and countless other family members and dear friends who she thought of as family.
Services for Karen will take place at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 10 am. Mike Asher, Ron Denny, Harry Fletcher, Ken Hunt, Harvey Ramsey, and Glenn Hall will serve as Pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute memorials to Emmanuel Baptist Church at 6850 Buncombe Road Shreveport, Louisiana 71129 or Heart of Hope Maternity (one of her favorite ministries to support) at 10240 Heart of Hope Way Keithville, Louisiana 71047.
The family would like to thank the staff at Christus Shreveport-Bossier Radiation Oncology and want to extend a special thank you to Jami Sibert, RN and Danielle Smith, RN, with Christus Hospice and Palliative Care Shreveport-Bossier who provided Karen and her family with incredible care and comfort.
