Kay Marie Johnson

Kay Marie Johnson gained her heavenly wings on February 23, 2025 at the age of 80 years old, leaving behind a world forever touched by her light and love. 

Kay was born in Sayre, PA on January 27, 1945 and grew up in a close-knit family and community where she enjoyed going to church, singing, playing the piano and spending time with her family and friends. Following high school, she went to beauty school and thoroughly enjoyed working as a beautician while raising her children-LuAnn, Todd and Tammy. 

Her 5th grade boyfriend, Edwin Johnson, later became the love of her life and husband of 48 years. They spent much of their married life residing in Fort Mill, SC. Together, they raised their son Jude and strived to share the love of Christ in every possible way. Through involvement in several Christian organizations as well as their own radio ministry “Chariots of Fire,” Kay sought out every opportunity to live her faith by serving and showing love to everyone she met. She was a part of Women Aglow in Fort Mill for many years, ministered at the women’s prison and was part of several prayer groups over the years where she enjoyed connecting with other Christian women and serving her community. She spent many years working at Belk department store in the collections department where she continued to exude compassion and love in a way that only she could-touching the hearts of customers and co-workers alike. 

Kay loved connecting with anyone and everyone-from childhood friends to strangers she met in the grocery store. Her infectious smile lit up her face and her genuine interest in others made it impossible not to love her. Even in Kay’s final days, her nurses found themselves at a loss for words when they described what a special woman she was and the impact she had made on their life. Kay never missed a birthday or forgot an important date of a loved one-all written down on her calendar that hung in the kitchen and the day planner that she carried everywhere she went. She always made sure you knew she was praying for you and was so intentional with sending out love notes through cards in the mail, texts on her phone or messages on Facebook. She loved to see others happy and enjoying their lives and truly lived her life with such gratitude that even in the throes of suffering, she would say “I’m just so happy.”

 Kay loved her family with her whole heart and ensured they knew it through her words, her actions and her love. She is survived by her adoring husband Edwin Johnson; younger sister Ruth Elsbree (husband Joe); loving children, LuAnn Meza (husband Miguel), Tammy Soprano (husband John) and Jude Johnson (wife Sarah); beloved grandchildren, Jessica Kochuyt, Ryan Shay (wife Robin), Alyssa Zamorano (husband Sergio), Miranda Holland (husband Daniel), Julia Grace Soprano, Jerey Campbell (wife Tara), Tyler Campbell (wife Molly), Dionnace Campbell, Carter Johnson and Henry Johnson; great grandchildren, Mackenzie Kochuyt, Shaylee Kochuyt, Hugh Shay, Maya Shay, Riley Shay, Paxton Campbell, Zaine Campbell, Able Campbell, Karson Campbell, Tyler Campbell, Zara Zamorano, Zoey Zamorano, Ellington Holland and Evelyn Holland; and great-great grandchildren Colson Shay and Milania Shay. Kay was preceded in death by her parents-Hugh and Geraldine Keeler, her older sister-Carol Elsbree, and her son-Todd Campbell.

 Kay called two places home over her lifetime-Sayre, Pennsylvania and Fort Mill, South Carolina-but the home she was so looking forward to going to, Heaven, is where she currently resides. We imagine her there dancing, singing and playing the piano with the angels. She will forever be remembered for the love she brought to this world, with no expectation for anything in return. Although she is gone, her light will live on in all of those who knew and loved her. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at 11:30am at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill. A Celebration of Life will follow the service for all who knew and loved her at 1:00pm at Mason’s Bend Amenity Center in Fort Mill, SC.