Mrs. Lois Carnes Johnson, age 84, Jonesborough, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2015 at her son’s home with her husband by her side.
Lois was born in Union County, N.C. She attended Shiloh Elementary and Indian Trail High School. Later, Lois attended the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte, NC and graduated as a registered nurse. She worked as an RN at Ellen Fitzgerald Hospital and Union Hospital in Monroe, N.C. Lois then moved to Minnesota where she lived for 38 years and had a career at University of Minnesota Hospital caring for polio patients and later worked at Hennepin County General Hospital in Minneapolis.
Lois also had a career in public service. She was elected for two terms as Mayor and eight years as Council Member in Minnetonka Beach, MN. After retirement, Lois and her husband Paul relocated to her home state and lived for many years in Monroe, N.C. where she was appointed to a position on the City of Monroe Planning Board.
Lois also served in many volunteer positions in both Minnesota and North Carolina including Member of the Board of Minnesota International Center at the University of Minnesota, member of the Board of Minnesota State Medical Auxiliary, Union County Symphony Board, Vice Chairperson of the Union County Republican Party and was past Secretary and active member of the Monroe Garden Club.
Lois was also an active member of Central United Methodist Church of Monroe where she served as Wedding Director for nearly 20 years. Lois enjoyed many activities including traveling the world, reading books, and spending time with family and friends. She also took many cooking classes and was well known for her culinary expertise.
Lois is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Dr. Paul E. Johnson, Jonesborough, TN; sons, Daniel and wife Linda of Merrimack, NH, Steven of Jonesborough, TN, and Timothy of Monroe, N.C.; daughter-in-law Beckie Etukeok Johnson and granddaughter Shoshanna of Anchorage, AK; grandson Eric of Fairbanks, AK; granddaughter Toni Sharp of Columbus, GA; sisters Inez Plyler of Blowing Rock N.C., Jo Ann Rowell and husband Rance of Monroe, N.C.; sisters-in-law Jean Carnes of Clinton, MA and Shawn Provost of Monroe, N.C.; also many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Lois was proceeded in death by her parents Shuford & Kathleen Carnes; brothers Walter, John, and Richard; son, Mark and a granddaughter Elizabeth.
Lois will be missed by her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Monroe, N.C. on Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00 PM. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Central United Methodist Church of Monroe, 801 S Hayne St, Monroe, NC 28112 or the charity of your choice.