Charlotte Kay Johnson

1943-2010

On December 29, 2010 our wonderful mother, Granny and friend was welcomed into the arms of heaven's angels. Charlotte Whittaker Johnson was diagnosed in April 2009 with Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. A lifelong teacher until the end, she made it her mission in life to be a shining example of faith, courage and spiritual trust throughout her illness in which she remained optimistic and positive. That attitude carried with her into her journey into the next life of wholeness and healing.

Charlotte was born July 7, 1943 in Heyburn, Idaho and her delivery was assisted into this life by her Grandmother Riley. She was the oldest of four children of L. M. Whittaker and Wanda Fern Riley. Her siblings include Russel (Carol) Whittaker, Cynthia (Leo) Larson, Marsha (Mike) Stanford. She was raised in Heyburn and Rupert, Idaho, spending her younger years working in the fields, playing with her brother and sisters and riding a horse named Trinket every chance she got. She was baptized in the LDS church with her brother, Russ, on April 10, 1954. 

Charlotte graduated from Minico High School in Rupert, Idaho in 1961. She was involved with Pep Club, Future Homemakers, and held office in several clubs. She was a successful speech competitor.

March 21, 1963 was one of the happiest days of her life when her brother, sisters, father and mother where sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and eternity. Family was always a cornerstone for Char's life and she believed in the eternal family.

In 1964 she graduated from BYU with a B. S. in Home Economics with a secondary education endorsement. After college she taught school in Duschene, Utah, and then moved back to teach high school at Minico High in Rupert, Idaho. 

She was married to Ray Johnson in 1966 and the union lasted for 27 years. Together they had four children and 16 grandchildren. Scott (Christy) Johnson, children Brooks, Braxton; Jodi (Christian) O'Shea, children, Baylie, Jack, Bryn, Liam, Sam; Chad (Heather) Johnson, children, Celeste, Michael, Venida, Zerin, Jeddidiah, Dagen; Shelly (Jeff) Downham, children Raegan, Darby, Trey. She never missed a birthday or special occasion, and was blessed and treasured in her relationships with each of her children, spouses and grandchildren.

Char was the Wyoming State PTA President and was involved in countless activities and endeavors with her children and grandchildren. She was their number one fan and encouraged everyone in whatever path they chose to pursue. She dedicated 19 years of her life as a teacher at Cathedral Home for Children in Laramie, Wyoming. She never gave up on those with challenging life circumstances and had a gift for reaching those in need. "I was taught to think everybody was somebody with ambition," was a common quote of hers. She chose to pursue a career in massage therapy and ran a successful business appropriately named "Chars Angel Hands Massage." She collected angels to keep with her to decorate her massage rooms. She was loved by friends and clients alike. She continues to be our angel. 

Her hobbies included sewing and she was an accomplished seamstress. She spent many late nights sewing projects to surprise those she loved with the gifts of her talents and efforts. As she stated, "Life seemed too important to sleep it away." She also enjoyed writing poetry. She has spent past years as an aerobics and fitness instructor. She was an active member of the LDS Laramie Sherman Hill Ward. 

She loved to watch the sunrise and sunsets of each new day. She especially loved the early morning sunrise and wrote, "It makes a beginning of each morning and presents a feeling that all is OK with majestic colors and silence as the sunshine rises." She spent the last year of her life at her daughter's lake front house enjoying majestic sunsets and sunrises which gave her peace and comfort during her struggle with cancer. She left this world as the sun was rising on Dec. 29, 2010. Though she passed into another phase, we know she is not sleeping but will always be alive with us in spirit and will still be our #1 fan and angel granny.

Walking through the dark valley to reach the other side of sunrise

Holding your hand in mine, we have tears but we are strong

Because the journey has been worth the wait, we know it won't be long

Just to hear the word death we feel as though we have died

We must live each day in love, caring and compassion

Someday we will all die, but with trust, faith and love shared; the soul never dies

Death, like life, we must fully embrace as a forever friend

It is another sunrise, a beginning not merely just the end

We can no longer hold hands, but it is just for now; we will be forever holding hearts.

Funeral services will be held Friday January 7, 2011 at 2:00 in the Warenski Funeral Home Chapel located at 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call from 1:00 to 1:45 pm prior to services. Interment, American Fork City Cemetery.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2001 at 2:00 pm at the Laramie LDS Stake Center Chapel located at 331 Hayford Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com