Karen Elizabeth Johnson

Karen Elizabeth Johnson went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 27, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father and mother, Dr. James Hardy and Ellen Paschall Johnson. Karen, or “Doodle,” as she was called by her daddy, was born into the home of her loving parents as a “special valentine” on February 14, 1962, in Lumberton, NC, while her father pastored in the town of Tabor City, NC. In her early childhood, her family moved for her father to attend seminary in Fort Worth, TX, and she enjoyed some of her grade school years while living there. Her remaining school years through high school were in Buncombe County, NC, after her family moved to Asheville in 1973 for her father to become pastor of West Asheville Baptist Church. Karen completed Enka High School in her Junior year and went on to attend Western Carolina University from which she was graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Math in 1984.

Karen taught math in Buncombe and Haywood Counties until her retirement. She was a recipient of the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in teaching Mathematics. She received many other awards as a teacher throughout her career including Teacher of the Year for both Enka Middle School and The Career Education Center of Buncombe County. Her greatest joy, however, was in the achievement of her students. She took many of her students to both Regional and State Math Competitions throughout her teaching career and most of those students achieved honors in those competitions.

Karen retired from her teaching career in 2012 so she could become the caregiver for her parents in their home. She considered this her greatest privilege and joy. She selflessly and lovingly served them until their deaths — Daddy, November 9, 2018 and Mother, March 18, 2025. During these years and until her own recent passing, Karen worked with Crossfire Ministries International as their Secretary and General Assistant. Her heartbeat of reaching others with the Gospel was at the forefront of each task she most efficiently provided.

Karen was filled to overflowing with the joy of the Lord and it was demonstrated in all that she undertook. She loved singing whether in the church choir or on her deck where she often stood to gaze upon the gatherings of deer in her backyard as they enjoyed the corn she set out for them. Karen faithfully spent time with the Lord each day in prayer and Bible study and this was reflected in her daily life. Her infectious laughter went with her everywhere and her sense of humor was always ready with a quick wit. She was a gifted artist and decorator and loved decorating her home for the various seasons and all special occasions. Her themed parties for birthday celebrations were always a spectacular display that had been poured over with many hours of loving, dedicated work to assure all was “just right.”

Karen sought to make the most of every day as she loved on and encouraged others. She was a humble and faithful servant to her Lord, to her family and friends, and even to those she might not have known well. Her generous heart and giving spirit have touched countless many. Karen looked forward to going to Heaven to be with her Savior and loved ones who were awaiting her there. There is no doubt that upon Karen’s entrance into the glories of Heaven she heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” She finished her race well even though it was a most challenging race at the end. She never complained about any hardship or suffering brought about by her illness but steadily kept a heart of gratitude and praise for all the Lord’s blessings upon her life. Karen’s departure for heaven leaves an empty space in this world that she filled with joy, laughter, servanthood, and much love. And there is an unfillable hole in the hearts of her family members. Our lives on this earth will not ever be the same without her presence but we are forever grateful for every moment we shared together and look forward to the day when we will be reunited for eternity because of the work of Christ — His life, His redeeming work on the cross, His bodily resurrection, and one day His second coming. One day, we will have a reunion with our beloved Karen never to be separated again.

Karen is survived by her son, Morgan Keyes of Huntsville, AL; her brother, Rev. Jamie Johnson, Jr., and her sister, Rebekah Hudson (Rev. Jeffrey) all of Asheville. She also leaves behind much-loved nieces and nephews: Lacy Hudson Condy (Steven) of Dallas, TX; Lance Hudson and Lyndi Elizabeth Hudson, both of Asheville; and Landrey Hudson Duncan (Owen) of Dallas, TX. Karen adored her great-nieces and nephews: Ada, Hudson, Willow Elizabeth, and Indigo Condy all of Dallas, TX. Karen was also “sis” to Cynthia Smith, of Kernersville, NC, and Gary Wayne Robinson, III, of Nashville, TN.

In her memory, Karen requested that her loved ones and friends take time to make a contact of encouragement to someone who needs to receive a comforting or uplifting word. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossfire Ministry.com.

Those who wish to pay their respects may do so from Tuesday, September 1, through Friday, September 4 at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.

The graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Candler, NC. All are invited to attend.