Karen D. Johnson

Acknowledgments

The family of Karen D. Johnson wishes to express sincere gratitude for the kind deeds, prayers and other expressions of sympathy shown during our time of sorrow. Your prayers have been a source of strength that will sustain us and keep us through each tomorrow. Special thanks to Elders' Helpers, Hospice of Michigan, Grand Rapids Black Nurses Association and all health care providers, family, and friends who assisted with Karen's care. Also thank you to Theta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Brown Hutcherson Ministries. May God bless and keep each of you!

-The Family of Karen D. Johnson -

Celebration of Life

Pallbearers Michael B. Johnson, Jr. Brian Jones Harlan Nelson Harold Nelson Kendrick Moody Nathaniel Moody, III Joseph Veale, Jr. Jerome Wooten

Honorary Pallbearers Cleo Cross Attorney Stephen R. Drew Bobby Foster David Foster Tommy May Calvin Whitley

Final Arrangements Entrusted To: Brown's Funeral Home, LTD 627 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Interment Garfield Park Cemetery 2222 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Karen Diane Johnson a.k.a. "Princess"

Sunrise: March 17, 1948

Sunset January 2, 2022

Saturday, January 8, 2022 Family Hour - 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service - 11:00 a.m.

Brown Hutcherson Ministries 618 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Please wear a mask) Reverend Joseph D. Jones, Pastor/Officiating Reverend Nathaniel Moody, Pastor Emeritus/Eulogist

Her Story Karen Diane Johnson was born March 17, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Elizabeth Ruth Johnson and Jesse Johnson. She attended the WCTU Center with Mr. and Mrs. Newhall, along with her grandmother, Nanny. At an early age she was a member of St. Luke AME Zion Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan She later attended Allen AME Church, Anderson, Indiana. Her most recent membership was with Brown Hutcherson Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She matriculated through Grand Rapids Public Schools; Campau Elementary and South High School. Karen was a member of the South High Acapella Choir and the Commercial Club. The Commercial Club laid the foundation for her business and accounting profession. She graduated from South High School in 1967 and remained connected to her classmates, who have a close bond with each other. Her academic achievement continued at Ferris State University with a major in accounting. While there, in 1971, Karen was one of the Founding members of the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and was fondly known as “Grand Lady”. This name was fitting as she was indeed a “Grand Lady”. She always instilled in young ladies the importance of personal appearance, education, and setting, and reaching goals. She was quite the dresser and coordinated all of her outfits, from head to toe. She liked luxury cars and the finer things in life, and would often bless others with clothing, shoes, and other gifts.

Shortly after college, Karen moved to Anderson, Indiana, to work alongside her father. She became a Professor at Ivy Tech in Muncie, Indiana, teaching accounting and business classes.

She had a great business acumen and later became a Certified Public Accountant and also obtained a Master of Business Administration Degree. Karen started her own business, Johnson’s Accounting and worked with individual and business clients, which included her family’s funeral home business, Brown’s Funeral Home, LTD. Karen’s work ethic was exceptional, and she remained faithful until her illness prevented her from doing so. Even then she would give verbal advice about accounting and bookkeeping to those that called on her.

She loved her family and friends and enjoyed hosting parties at her home. She was a great baker and cook and her friends and family members would be excited about her making her specialties such as, coffee clutch cake, and lasagna, just to name a few. Every home she lived in she would exquisitely decorate. She also loved to decorate her home for each holiday. When she moved in with her Sister and Brother-in-law, Laura B., and Nathaniel Moody, they made sure this tradition was carried out to her specifications.

Celebration of Life

Karen Loved Her South High School Class of 1967

Stephen Drew, Tommy May, Evelyn Whitfield, Debora Harvey, Lois Thomas, Asonja James, Calvin Whitley, Jeanie Tolbert, Rainelle Fields, Shirley Pittman, David Foster, Cleo Cross, Carolyn Guyton, Beverly Hair, George Coffman, Terry Sueing and many others classmates.

Karen Diane Johnson a.k.a. "Princess"

Sunrise: March 17, 1948

Sunset January 2, 2022

Saturday, January 8, 2022 Family Hour - 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service - 11:00 a.m.

Brown Hutcherson Ministries 618 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Please wear a mask) Reverend Joseph D. Jones, Pastor/Officiating Reverend Nathaniel Moody, Pastor Emeritus/Eulogist

Karen's Family and Friends

Her Story - continued

Celebration of Life

She leaves to cherish her memory her father, Jesse Johnson of Columbus, OH; five siblings, Theresa O. Johnson, Grand Rapids Michigan, Mark (Paula) Johnson of Anderson, Indiana, Laura B. (Nathaniel) Moody of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cheryl (a.ka. Sherry) Holloway of Columbus, Ohio, and Kevin (Jackie) Johnson of Dayton, Ohio. Nieces and Nephews, Asata M. Johnson (also God daughter), Tacarra Davis, April Johnson, Michael B. Johnson, Jr., Nathaniel R. (Stacey) Moody III, Yvette “Peaches” (Cager) Bradley, Karen “Little Karen”, Carter, Kendrick W. Moody, Tanishia Clark, Phillip Flowers, Sethiel Wilson, Kevin Clark, Alicia Johnson, Theresa “Miss Lucie” Moody, Taeaka Johnson, Ashley Stevenson, and Ishmael Wilson. Three Goddaughters, Asata M. Johnson, Faren A. V. May, and Grace O. May. A special son-like figure, Rodlin (Joy) Davis and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Ruth Johnson, brother, Michael B. Johnson, Sr., Stepmom, Mary Johnson, nephew, Trenton Johnson, and a special friend, Robert Davis.

Lovingly Submitted -The Family -

Karen Diane Johnson a.k.a. "Princess"

Sunrise: March 17, 1948

Sunset January 2, 2022

Saturday, January 8, 2022 Family Hour - 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service - 11:00 a.m.

Brown Hutcherson Ministries 618 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Please wear a mask) Karen will be missed by all, especially, Cathy Lewis, Beverly Brown, Darlene (John) Love , Curtie Walker, Glenda Brathwaite.

Reverend Joseph D. Jones, Pastor/Officiating Reverend Nathaniel Moody, Pastor Emeritus/Eulogist

Processional

Order of Service

Words of Comfort...............................................................................................Pastor Joseph D. Jones Old Testament Scripture....................................Psalms 121...............................Reverend Jessie Jones New Testament Scripture.................I Thessolonians 4:14-17..............Reverend Chana Edmond Verley Prayer of Comfort...............................................................................................Reverend James White Musicial Selection................................."I Won't Complain"................................Evangelist Lois Thomas South High School Class of 1967 Remarks (2 minutes please) Pastor Earnestine Lockett, Bread of The World Church/Family Friend Mrs. Asonja "Frenchie" James, South High School Class of 1967 Mr. Bobby Foster, Family Friend Grand Lady Christine Hall "Cricket", AKA Founder/ Ferris State University Mrs. Laura B. Moody, Sister & Caregiver Acknowledgements/Resolutions............................................................Reverend Belinda Cunningham The Obituary....................................................................................................Reverend Nina F. Western Selection..........................................."Stand".................................Reverend Jonse Young "Jonse Mae" The Eulogy.....................................................................................................Reverend Nathaniel Moody Recessional ******************************** Due to the pandemic, in lieu of a repass, carry-out meals will be available upon exiting the church.

We regret that we are not able to fellowship with everyone. However, we want to ensure that everyone is safe. We appreciate your presence here today and pray God's Blessings upon you!

Karen's Family

Processional

Order of Service

Words of Comfort...............................................................................................Pastor Joseph D. Jones Old Testament Scripture....................................Psalms 121...............................Reverend Jessie Jones New Testament Scripture.................I Thessolonians 4:14-17..............Reverend Chana Edmond Verley Prayer of Comfort...............................................................................................Reverend James White Musicial Selection................................."I Won't Complain"................................Evangelist Lois Thomas South High School Class of 1967 Remarks (2 minutes please) Pastor Earnestine Lockett, Bread of The World Church/Family Friend Mrs. Asonja "Frenchie" James, South High School Class of 1967 Mr. Bobby Foster, Family Friend Grand Lady Christine Hall "Cricket", AKA Founder/ Ferris State University Mrs. Laura B. Moody, Sister & Caregiver Acknowledgements/Resolutions............................................................Reverend Belinda Cunningham The Obituary....................................................................................................Reverend Nina F. Western Selection..........................................."Stand".................................Reverend Jonse Young "Jonse Mae" The Eulogy.....................................................................................................Reverend Nathaniel Moody Recessional ******************************** Due to the pandemic, in lieu of a repass, carry-out meals will be available upon exiting the church.

We regret that we are not able to fellowship with everyone. However, we want to ensure that everyone is safe. We appreciate your presence here today and pray God's Blessings upon you!

Karen's Family

Karen's Family and Friends

Her Story - continued

Celebration of Life

She leaves to cherish her memory her father, Jesse Johnson of Columbus, OH; five siblings, Theresa O. Johnson, Grand Rapids Michigan, Mark (Paula) Johnson of Anderson, Indiana, Laura B. (Nathaniel) Moody of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cheryl (a.ka. Sherry) Holloway of Columbus, Ohio, and Kevin (Jackie) Johnson of Dayton, Ohio. Nieces and Nephews, Asata M. Johnson (also God daughter), Tacarra Davis, April Johnson, Michael B. Johnson, Jr., Nathaniel R. (Stacey) Moody III, Yvette “Peaches” (Cager) Bradley, Karen “Little Karen”, Carter, Kendrick W. Moody, Tanishia Clark, Phillip Flowers, Sethiel Wilson, Kevin Clark, Alicia Johnson, Theresa “Miss Lucie” Moody, Taeaka Johnson, Ashley Stevenson, and Ishmael Wilson. Three Goddaughters, Asata M. Johnson, Faren A. V. May, and Grace O. May. A special son-like figure, Rodlin (Joy) Davis and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Ruth Johnson, brother, Michael B. Johnson, Sr., Stepmom, Mary Johnson, nephew, Trenton Johnson, and a special friend, Robert Davis.

Lovingly Submitted -The Family -

Karen Diane Johnson a.k.a. "Princess"

Sunrise: March 17, 1948

Sunset January 2, 2022

Saturday, January 8, 2022 Family Hour - 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service - 11:00 a.m.

Brown Hutcherson Ministries 618 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Please wear a mask) Karen will be missed by all, especially, Cathy Lewis, Beverly Brown, Darlene (John) Love , Curtie Walker, Glenda Brathwaite.

Reverend Joseph D. Jones, Pastor/Officiating Reverend Nathaniel Moody, Pastor Emeritus/Eulogist

Her Story Karen Diane Johnson was born March 17, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Elizabeth Ruth Johnson and Jesse Johnson. She attended the WCTU Center with Mr. and Mrs. Newhall, along with her grandmother, Nanny. At an early age she was a member of St. Luke AME Zion Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan She later attended Allen AME Church, Anderson, Indiana. Her most recent membership was with Brown Hutcherson Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She matriculated through Grand Rapids Public Schools; Campau Elementary and South High School. Karen was a member of the South High Acapella Choir and the Commercial Club. The Commercial Club laid the foundation for her business and accounting profession. She graduated from South High School in 1967 and remained connected to her classmates, who have a close bond with each other. Her academic achievement continued at Ferris State University with a major in accounting. While there, in 1971, Karen was one of the Founding members of the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and was fondly known as “Grand Lady”. This name was fitting as she was indeed a “Grand Lady”. She always instilled in young ladies the importance of personal appearance, education, and setting, and reaching goals. She was quite the dresser and coordinated all of her outfits, from head to toe. She liked luxury cars and the finer things in life, and would often bless others with clothing, shoes, and other gifts.

Shortly after college, Karen moved to Anderson, Indiana, to work alongside her father. She became a Professor at Ivy Tech in Muncie, Indiana, teaching accounting and business classes.

She had a great business acumen and later became a Certified Public Accountant and also obtained a Master of Business Administration Degree. Karen started her own business, Johnson’s Accounting and worked with individual and business clients, which included her family’s funeral home business, Brown’s Funeral Home, LTD. Karen’s work ethic was exceptional, and she remained faithful until her illness prevented her from doing so. Even then she would give verbal advice about accounting and bookkeeping to those that called on her.

She loved her family and friends and enjoyed hosting parties at her home. She was a great baker and cook and her friends and family members would be excited about her making her specialties such as, coffee clutch cake, and lasagna, just to name a few. Every home she lived in she would exquisitely decorate. She also loved to decorate her home for each holiday. When she moved in with her Sister and Brother-in-law, Laura B., and Nathaniel Moody, they made sure this tradition was carried out to her specifications.

Celebration of Life

Karen Loved Her South High School Class of 1967

Stephen Drew, Tommy May, Evelyn Whitfield, Debora Harvey, Lois Thomas, Asonja James, Calvin Whitley, Jeanie Tolbert, Rainelle Fields, Shirley Pittman, David Foster, Cleo Cross, Carolyn Guyton, Beverly Hair, George Coffman, Terry Sueing and many others classmates.

Karen Diane Johnson a.k.a. "Princess"

Sunrise: March 17, 1948

Sunset January 2, 2022

Saturday, January 8, 2022 Family Hour - 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service - 11:00 a.m.

Brown Hutcherson Ministries 618 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Please wear a mask) Reverend Joseph D. Jones, Pastor/Officiating Reverend Nathaniel Moody, Pastor Emeritus/Eulogist

Acknowledgments

The family of Karen D. Johnson wishes to express sincere gratitude for the kind deeds, prayers and other expressions of sympathy shown during our time of sorrow. Your prayers have been a source of strength that will sustain us and keep us through each tomorrow. Special thanks to Elders' Helpers, Hospice of Michigan, Grand Rapids Black Nurses Association and all health care providers, family, and friends who assisted with Karen's care. Also thank you to Theta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Brown Hutcherson Ministries. May God bless and keep each of you!

-The Family of Karen D. Johnson -

Celebration of Life

Pallbearers Michael B. Johnson, Jr. Brian Jones Harlan Nelson Harold Nelson Kendrick Moody Nathaniel Moody, III Joseph Veale, Jr. Jerome Wooten

Honorary Pallbearers Cleo Cross Attorney Stephen R. Drew Bobby Foster David Foster Tommy May Calvin Whitley

Final Arrangements Entrusted To: Brown's Funeral Home, LTD 627 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Interment Garfield Park Cemetery 2222 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Karen Diane Johnson a.k.a. "Princess"

Sunrise: March 17, 1948

Sunset January 2, 2022

Saturday, January 8, 2022 Family Hour - 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service - 11:00 a.m.

Brown Hutcherson Ministries 618 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Please wear a mask) Reverend Joseph D. Jones, Pastor/Officiating Reverend Nathaniel Moody, Pastor Emeritus/Eulogist