Carolyn Johnson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Carolyn Ann Johnson, 77, was born on February 1,1947 to Vernon H. Means and Marie Fleming Means. She was the middle child of the 5 Means children.

Carolyn was born and raised in Baxter Springs, Kansas where she has lived most of her life. She attended Lincoln Elementary, Baxter Junior High, and graduated from Baxter High School in the Class of 1965. During her high school years, she was a member of the FHA, the Pep Club, and the Choir. Outside of school, she was active with the Girl Scouts and the First Baptist Church of Baxter Springs.

Soon after graduating in 1965, Carolyn married Paul Dwain Johnson. After living for a few years in Baxter, they spent a short time in Canton, Ohio, and then moved again to live in Jacksonville, Florida. Although Carolyn enjoyed their time in Florida, they were ready to come home to Baxter Springs and returned in 1972. Then much to her delight, Carolyn gave birth to their son, Michael D. Johnson, later that year.

When Mike was old enough to be in school, Carolyn began working for Wal-Mart at the Baxter store. Throughout her time there, more than 25 years, she became known affectionately by the nickname CJ. Carolyn had always loved to sew, and while working at Wal-Mart during the day, she could be found often in the evenings and on weekends hemming slacks, making shirts and dresses, and anything else anyone wanted her to make or alter. She even tackled making bridesmaids dresses and intricate wedding dresses.

Carolyn has been a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Baxter. She was involved with the Girls Auxiliary at FBC as a student, and then became a GA leader as an adult. She served as a GA counselor at their summer camp for many years. Carolyn also continued to use her talent for singing as a member of the church choir for nearly 50 years!

Carolyn loved to travel, and when she and her 3 sisters all became “empty nesters” in 1993, they started traveling together. Some of their escapades included several cruises in the Caribbean. The Means sisters took many sightseeing trips together to San Antonio, Houston, Boston, Branson, St. Louis, and Nashville, along with trips throughout California and Nevada. They took one short trip to Indiana, but Carolyn would say that they were going to Illinois and just missed their exit! Carolyn’s last adventure with her sisters was a beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in June 2020.

One of her other favorite travel spots was in Chicago to watch her beloved Chicago Cubs play. Carolyn and her son, Mike, shared a love for the Cubbies, and made many trips together to catch a game at Wrigley Field when possible.

Carolyn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease over 10 years ago. After fighting the disease for several years, she moved to Legacy Living where she has been cared for with love by the staff. Although she fought a hard battle with Parkinson’s for many years, Carolyn went home to be with Jesus on October 1, 2024, surrounded by her family and the Legacy staff. Carolyn’s family would like to give a special thanks to the caregivers from Harry Hines Memorial Hospice, and to Dennis Webb, her faithful deacon from FBC.

Carolyn Johnson is survived by her son, Mike of Baxter Springs, sister, Verna Wells of Joplin, Missouri, sister, Pam Sexton of McKinney, Texas, and brother, Russell Means of Hermitage, Tennessee. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and friends who love her and will miss her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Marie Means, and one sister, Virginia Means.

A Celebration of Life for Carolyn will be held at First Baptist Church of Baxter on October 5, 2024 at 11:00AM with Rev. Jeff Street officiating. Burial will follow at the Lowell Cemetery, conducted by Derfelt Funeral Home of Baxter Springs.

Carolyn’s family has requested any memorials be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease research. Information regarding donations may be found at michaeljfox.org.