Karen Genavie (Hurst) Johnson, 82, passed through the gates of heaven and into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, July 8 surrounded by her family.
Karen was born May 29, 1943 in Reading, Michigan. She attended Reading Schools where she played in the high school band and was a cheerleader.
Karen married her high school sweetheart, Frank J. Johnson, almost 65 years ago on July 22,1960. Together they raised three daughters in belief and faith in Jesus Christ, all who still survive: Catherine Cutler, Angola, IN, Christine (David) Stavedahl of Warsaw, IN, and Kelly (Mark) Shiery of Allen, MI.
Karen and Frank worked together for over 30 years as owners of Frank Johnson Electric, Inc. While running the family business she was also an on-call, whenever needed grandma/babysitter to her five adored grandchildren: Garrett Brand of Paw Paw, MI, Macabe (Breeanne) Brand of Ham Lake, MN, Aaron (Mariah) Cutler of Bronson, MI, Gavin (Laina) Shiery of Wolcottville, IN, and Markel (Ross) Williams of Homer, MI. She is also now a beloved Great-Grandma to seven: Sloane and Lennon Brand, Eleanorah Cutler, Gracelyn Shiery, and Everett Williams, with two more on the way.
One of Karen’s favorite pastimes was tending her flower gardens. When blooming, they reflected her beautiful soul. The grandchildren laugh and recall now that Grandma often made them help with the not so desirable chore of weeding.
Karen and Frank shared a passion for miniature horses and together created JO-CO Miniatures horse farm. They shared this love with their girls and grandchildren by travelling to several states to show and win numerous awards. The family laughs at the memories she created for them at the many family dinners, holidays, campouts, and the weekends that the grandkids spent with grandma.
She is also remembered for her competitive spirit. Karen was the grandma who attended every school event, program, or sport in which her grandchildren participated. They could always count on her for love, support and encouragement.
Karen’s focus in life was always her husband and family and there was little she would not do for them. She served as an assistant 4-H leader for years and as a committee member on various school mileage drives and activities. She and Frank loved traveling and camping with their family and introduced their girls and grandchildren to many different states and destinations.
Karen attended Pine Ridge Bible Church when able and developed a special bond with Pastor Paul Barlett and his wife, Sandy, who have been special mentors and friends.
Karen was the second youngest born to Dallas and Marie Hurst of Reading, Michigan. She had three brothers; Marvin, Dean, and Thomas Hurst, all of whom preceded her in death. She has one sister, Maxine Scoville of Hillsdale, MI who survives.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Eagle Funeral Homes/George White Chapel in Quincy, MI. At this time cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life for Karen announced at a later date.
If desired, monetary donations in Karen’s memory could be made to Pine Ridge Bible Church of Quincy or the Humane Society of Branch County. Helping people and animals would make Karen especially happy.
For online condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
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