Mrs. Lee Carolyn Bethea Johnson was born on Saturday, December 9, 1939 in Dillon, S.C. to the late Ella Dal and Lee William Bethea.
On Sunday, May 29, 2016, at the age of 76, she entered into eternal rest at McLeod Hospital in Florence, S.C.
Carolyn attended the public schools of Dillon and was a proud graduate of Gordon High School. She loved her classmates dearly and was the unofficial secretary of the Class of ’58. She was employed at JV Martin Jr. High School, South of the Border, Dixiana Mill, and Carl’s IGA in various capacities. She was a whiz in the area of customer service.
Lee Carolyn grew up as a member of the St. Stephens United Methodist Church. Once she married, she was baptized and became a member of Friendship Baptist Church where she served faithfully as a deaconess, president of the deaconess board, past president of the pastor’s aide, a member of the missionary society and a devotional leader. She also served in any capacity that was necessary. She was a member of the Amaryllis Garden Club, and she was a member of Bright Star Valley, Number 217.
On September 24, 1994, Lee Carolyn married John W. Johnson. Carolyn was a happy, caring, loving person who would do anything for her family and friends. Energetic and friendly, she often would say, “I’ve never met a stranger.” She also loved to spend time on trips and at bingo with her senior citizens group. Lee Carolyn often worked out at the Wellness Center and enjoyed the social interaction as well as the exercise.
Lee Carolyn leaves to cherish fond memories: 3 sisters-Theresa Whitfield of the home; Mary Jane Ringgold and Bettye McGriff of Hempstead, NY; 4 nieces who are truly her daughters-Kim, Lynn (Geno), Tonya (Keith), and Crystal, all of Dillon; 3 nieces-Pamela, Daphne, and Kimberly; 5 nephews: Deshawn, Joey, Robert, Terrence and Tyron; 3 great nephews-De’Andre, Kyle, and Kenny; 3 great nieces-Kenya, Kalia, and Kalah; 1 special great grand-Aubrey; 3 stepdaughters-Lois Ford, Edna (Herbert) Bethea, and Maggie (Mayo) Phillips; 2 stepsons-Robert (Barbara) Johnson and Jimmy Bethea; 1 daughter-in-law Arlene (Roosevelt) Wallace; 1 special cousin, Katie Mae Bethea; 1 special daughter, Linda Greene; 1 special sister, Pat (James) Thomas; Best friends-Jeannie Pernell and Magnolia Williams; 2 special friends, Irissa Brinker and Sister Annie Bethea; a godson, Reverend Larry McCollum; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Johnson, and her brother, Willie Marshall Bethea.
Special thanks to Barbara Johnson and Linda Greene for being there without hesitation any time it was needed. Crystal, thanks for being her devoted caretaker.
Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, June 4, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Stephens United Methodist Church with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery.
