Carole Ann Johnson

Carole Ann Johnson, age 77, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, was called home to rejoice in the glory of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Harriet Hesse, mother-in-law, Betty Hart, father-in-law, Forest Johnson, sisters-in-law, Barbara Hesse and Kimbery Hesse, dear friend Ray Hart and God-daughter, Christy Jo Hart. Carole is survived by her devoted husband, Gary, loving daughter and son-in-law, Leeann and Matthew Wemple, three wonderful grandsons, Harrison, Oliver and Lincoln Wemple, her caring brother, Robert Hesse and his common-law wife, Linda Langs Fortnam, and her best friend, Sue Hart. Carole Ann was born on February 25, 1948 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. She attended elementary school at Holy Spirit and graduated high school from Mt. Mercy Academy. While working at Metro Medical Records, she met her forever husband, Gary. From completing Associate’s degrees, to getting married, from earning Bachelor’s degrees to adopting their daughter, from building a home, to starting a company, they completed goal after goal, and they built themselves a beautiful life…but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. After graduating from Grand Rapids Junior College, Carole earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Michigan State; she then went on to gain a second degree in Secondary Education at Aquinas College. From teaching preschool at Merry Moppets to teaching nearly every grade at various Grand Rapids Public elementary schools, she even taught speed reading and writing courses at night and tutored in the English Department at GRJC, she used her teaching degrees well. Carole loved to socialize and was a creative story teller. She loved sunsets, the sound of trilling birds, walks around small lakes and feeling the breeze between her fingertips on the slow troll of a boat ride, but most of all, she loved the family she helped build, especially her grandsons, they were her shining light in the darkness. She is already profoundly missed. A memorial service will be celebrated Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Chapel, 3525 Remembrance Rd. NW. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service, at 12:00 pm. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Food and fellowship immediately following, destination to be announced at the service.

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Carole Ann Johnson

February 25, 1948 - March 12, 2025