CAROL JOHNSON

Date of Birth

October 16, 1941

Date of Death

February 24, 2022

Carol Johnson, age 80, of Maple Park, was joyfully reunited with her husband, Bob, who has waited patiently for 30 years to have her in his arms again, Thursday, February 24, 2022.

She was born October 16, 1941, in Belvidere, IL, to proud and loving parents, Andrew and Florence Williams.

Carol grew up in the Marengo area for a time before the family moved following her father’s passing when she was just 11.  She graduated from Sycamore High School with the class of 1959.

During her senior year, Carol worked for Phyl-Louise Beauty Shop in Sycamore and upon graduation, attended beauty school before returning to Phyl-Louise once again. Eventually she opened her own shop, Carol’s Coiffeur’s in May of 1968 in Maple Park, She helped to beautify her community until 1974 when she took time off to raise her family. In later years, when the local schools consolidated, Carol found work in the kitchens of Kaneland School District 302 from 1985 to 1993, before moving to the food service at Northern Illinois University. She was “mom” to many but was known wide as “The Chip Lady” until her retirement in May of 2010.

Carol “bowled a perfect game” when she met Bob Johnson at the local bowling alley. Bob never stood a chance after catching her eye, and later asked for her hand in marriage. They were married on November 25, 1967 at Grace United Methodist Church. They began their new life with Bob’s two sons, Richard and Ken, in Maple Park, buying their first home in 1974 and welcoming home their daughter Jennifer shortly after. The blended family would grow to include a son Steve in 1976 and their son Rod made the family complete in 1977. Grief came to call when Bob tragically passed following a farming accident in 1992, leaving her to continue raising her children, building on the rock of her faith and close-knit community. 

When Carol was a young child, she attended and was confirmed at Mayfield Congregational Church and was a faithful member of the Grace Methodist Church in Maple Park where she helped with the turkey dinners and served on the administrative council. She was also a proud member of the Maple Park Legion Wives. 

Carol lived for her children and was always involved in any passion they had. Her minivan carried them to countless wrestling matches, softball and football games, often stopping for snacks and pizza. She never missed an opportunity to travel, especially if food was involved at the beginning, middle or end of the trip. Carol would never commit to social engagements before knowing what was on the menu. You could ensure her arrival especially if Chex mix, puppy chow or chocolate pizza were on the list. Her smile was always on display and her hugs were mandatory, but never mistake her good nature for weakness as Carol had withstood storms that would have destroyed the strongest spirit, but she abided all with a humble spirit and strength that belied her size. In recent years, Carol was involved in two different groups; one made up of childhood friends and those who she worked with at N.I.U., but a good time was had by all regardless of the company. No one who met her left a stranger and the friendships she made, were made to last. All will keenly feel her loss and never forget the wonderful memories she made with them.

She is survived by five children: Richard (Mary Swedberg) Johnson, Ken (Rose) Johnson, Jennifer (Mark) Meyers, Steven (Lisa) Johnson and Rodney (Whitney) Johnson; 11 grandchildren: Kasey (Jessica) Johnson and their children: Kaleb and Taylee, Ambyr (AJ) Deitrick, Dustin Johnson, Brooke Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Chris Siebens, Megan Johnson, Brandon Siebens, Alexander Meyers, Selena Meyers and Anthony Meyers; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a community of friends.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Johnson; her father, Andrew Williams, her mother, Florence Williams Rebhorn; five brothers: Tom, John, Gordon, Roger, and Jerry.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Additional visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Friday, March 4 at Grace United Methodist Church, 506 Willow St., Maple Park, IL, followed by a funeral to celebrate her faith at 11 a.m. Rev. Joe Munro, pastor of the church, will officiate, with interment to follow at Gardner Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Carol’s name to benefit Grace United Methodist Church. Checks may be made to the “Carol A Johnson Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can read Carol’s full life story.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Additional visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Friday, March 4 at Grace United Methodist Church, 506 Willow St., Maple Park, IL, followed by a funeral to celebrate her faith at 11 a.m. Rev. Joe Munro, pastor of the church, will officiate, with interment to follow at Gardner Cemetery.

1 thought on “CAROL JOHNSON

  1. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Loved One! Prayers for your whole family!
    The Rebhorn Family

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