Charlene Kay Johnson, 81, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026.

Born on July 5, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa, to George and Margaret Wendel. Charlene grew up in the Midwest guided by a deeply compassionate nature, and pursued a career in nursing. She initially dedicated her time to the joy of labor and delivery before advancing her education to earn a Master’s degree.

In 1970, she married her devoted husband, John Johnson, and together they built a life centered around family and love. They were blessed with two children, Amy and Kristopher. Charlene was a remarkably devoted mother and wife whose loving spirit left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. Her life was a testament to kindness, warmth, and unwavering support for those she loved.

While her family grieves her absence, they take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in heaven, reunited with the loved ones who preceded her in death, including her precious son, Kristopher, and her loving husband, John.

Charlene’s legacy of love continues through her surviving family. She is survived by her daughter, Amy (Johnson) Pitts, and her husband, Chad; and her sister, Colleen (Wendel) Leemkuil, and her husband, Lowell along with brother and sister-in-law Karl and Sharon Johnson. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. She was the proud grandmother of Stephen, Gracie, and Hannah Johnson, Breanna (Pitts) Williams (Jerrit), CJ, Carter, McKenna, Paisley, and Braylee Pitts. Charlie was also profoundly blessed to know, hold, and love her great-grandchildren, Kaia Pitts, Bentley, Henry, and Waylon Williams.

A Celebration of Charlene’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 05, 2026 at Clarkesville First Methodist Church with Rev. Ross Wheeler officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service on Monday.

An online guest registry is available for the Johnson family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Charlene Kay Johnson.