Joan "Karen" Johnson

Born at home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 12, 1939, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother began her life during a time of great change. With strawberry-blond hair and deep blue eyes, she grew up in a close-knit family shaped by faith, hard work, and love. Her childhood was marked by the simple joys of walking to church, neighborhood games, family traditions, and the steady influence of devoted parents and grandparents.

She learned early the value of service, perseverance, and gratitude. These qualities guided her throughout her life—as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, nurse, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. After graduating from Salt Lake Vocational School as a Licensed Practical Nurse, she worked diligently to support her family, always placing her children and her testimony first.

She was the devoted mother of six children, raising them through seasons of joy and hardship with courage and faith. Even in times of deep trial, she never gave up. Her journals reflect a woman who trusted in the Lord, sought His guidance, and found strength through prayer, even when the road was difficult.

She later found companionship and happiness with her husband, Walter Johnson, whom she lovingly cared for through illness, just as he cared for her in her later years. Together they enjoyed years filled with family, music, travel, and quiet joy.

Her life was one of steady devotion—to her family, her faith, and her Heavenly Father. She loved being a sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she cherished the generations that followed her. She loved her many neighbors, co-workers, and friends.

We remember her as a woman of faith, resilience, creativity, and love—an example of endurance and quiet strength.

Rest in peace, Mama.

We love you.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Randall and Connie, sister Elaine, brother David, and husband Walter. Several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and one granddaughter.

She is survived by her sister Annette (Keith), brother in law Clem (Ann), her 6 children: Debra (Dave), Linda (Charles), Robert (Lisa), Mike, Colette, Joshua (Nicole). She leaves behind 23 grandchildren, and 59 Great grandchildren plus 2 more on the way.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00am at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the same cemetery.

Please click the Watch Services button above to view the recorded service.