Birth Date: 05/23/1941
Deceased Date: 01/05/2025
Carol Elaine Johnson, 83, of Barnard, VT, passed away on January 5, 2025. She was born on May 23, 1941, to Leon and Louise Porter in Bethel, VT.
From an early age, Carol worked on the family farm and developed a passion for horses. In addition to tending animals and raising crops, the Porters, like other Vermont families, made sugar (Maple Syrup), a very arduous process. And even though that work ethic and mountain spirit never departed, she dreamed about a bigger world. Carol attended Woodstock High School in Woodstock, VT, which is when she gave her life to the Lord. Her conversion was immediate and remarkable, eventually leading many other family members to Christ. At an interchurch rally, Carol met a visiting preacher, Harmon Johnson, and they were married soon after, on October 17, 1959. The couple settled in Chicago, IL, but by 1961, God opened the door for them to leave for Brazil as missionaries. Once there, Harmon and Carol lived on and off for the next 15 years, having and raising their four children. For Carol, these years were full of challenges and adventures, far beyond what she had dreamt of as a girl. By 1975, God had called Harmon and Carol back to the U.S. full time, and during the subsequent decades, they served a number of different churches, across many states to include: CA, NY, NJ, VT, VA, and GA. And as their children grew into adulthood and had families of their own, Harmon and Carol also had opportunities to travel and help churches and universities in Africa and Haiti.
In addition to her love of cooking, especially for large crowds (not uncommon to host twenty-plus people after church), Carol began to focus on being healthy. For instance, in her forties, she started running, often participating in 5 and 10k events. Her physical health and strength continued to astound everyone, even at the end of her life. However, it was Carol’s inner strength upon which everyone who knew her relied. As a grandmother, she showed unconditional love, but she also demonstrated integrity, dedication, patience, kindness, and selflessness. Yes, she gave advice, but more than anything she showed everyone the way. Carol’s mentoring was never limited to her family, practicing discipleship for any and all who came in contact with her. Her influence on this planet could never truly be captured by mere words because Carol Johnson’s life will continue to emanate a glorious legacy through time and into eternity.
Carol is survived by her four children, Ayn (Tom), Desiree, Harmon Jr. and Lynell (Kim); ten grandchildren, Kirstin, Brittany, Ayn, Craig, Natalia, Karissa, Tatiana, Armand, Zoe and KyLee; and 15 great grandchildren.
The family will hold a memorial service for Carol in the Spring of 2025. Condolences can be expressed at parrishfh.com
