Carol Johnson

January 1, 1970 - March 1, 2012

Carol graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1960 with a BA in Education, Fine Arts, Art, Social Studies and Professional Studies. After teaching in Tacoma, WA, for three years, she joined DoDDS and taught in Okinawa and Germany.

After returning to Washington state, she taught for two years in Tacoma, WA and then rejoined DoDDS and taught for eight years in Germany and England. She took a short leave to earn her MA in Art from the University of Washington in 1976. She spent the remaining 19 years of her career as a full time art teacher in England. Carol was an art teacher at Woodbridge Elementary School from 1976 until the school closed in May 1993. She then taught 5th Grade at Feltwell Elementary School until her retirement in 1995.

Carol was a warm encouraging teacher who loved to see the creative talents of her students grow and develop over the school year. She was also a warm and encouraging colleague who was willing to help anyone at a moment’s notice. She had a wonderful sense of humor, making work fun for all who were fortunate enough to work with her.

DoDDS was a rewarding career decision, allowing Carol to combine many passions. She was able to teach art, work with all ages of students, and fulfill her childhood ambition of seeing the world. Not only did she live and teach abroad, she enjoyed traveling and touring on breaks, holidays, and long weekends; always with a sketchbook and camera in hand, and most often in the company of her dear friends whom she treasured. She joked that it would be easier to list the places she had not visited than those she had.

Carol retired to her beloved home town of Chinook, WA, in 1995. She was active in the Friends of Chinook School, the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, the Peninsula Arts Association, and Chinook Evangelical Lutheran Church.

As an artist, Carol worked in various media. She studied oil and watercolor painting with George Roskos, Lars Kittleson, Bill Colby, Trevor Tanser, and John Campiche. She exhibited drawings and paintings in Germany, England, and the Pacific Northwest. Her latest body of work often utilized watercolor and focused on local and historic themes. Her works can be found in private collections in the U.S. and abroad.

Carol passed away on 1 March 2012. She is survived by brother Loren and sister-in-law Judy Johnson of Chinook, WA; brother Lloyd and sister-in-law Linda Johnson of Redmond, WA; sister-in-law, Mary Johnson of Seabeck, WA; sister-in-law, Shirlee Johnson of El Cajon, CA; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and dear friends from across the US and around the world.