Karol Ann Johnson

January 5, 1948 – March 31, 2026

Karol Ann Johnson is the daughter of the late Dr. Marshall O. Johnson and Mrs. Lula White Johnson (Martinsville, VA) and granddaughter of the late Mr. Lorenzo C. White and Bessie Jones White (Hampton). Karol was born on January 5, 1948, in Washington, D.C. She was a graduate of Albert Harris High School class of 1966. Karol attended West Virginia State College in Institute, West Virginia, Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education in 1979. She received her Master of Science in Education Degree from Old Dominion University in 2001.

Karol began her teaching career with Newport News Public Schools in 1979 at Jenkins Elementary School, where she taught third and fifth grades. However her love was always Early Childhood Education. She taught at Denbigh Early Childhood Center teaching preschool. She then taught kindergarten at Briarfield Elementary School, Sedgefield Elementary and Magruder Elementary. She was an active member of VAAEYC (Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children) and TAECE (Tidewater Association for Early Childhood Education) for several years. After thirty-one years with Newport News Public Schools, Karol retired. However, after only one year of retirement, Karol began working part-time with the Hampton Public School system in their elementary reading program.

Karol was a member for First Baptist Church, King Street, Hampton, VA, for many years. She later joined New Bethel Baptist Church, Yorktown, VA. She also volunteered as a Table Captain for the Downtown Hampton Child Development Center for their annual fundraising program.

Karol enjoyed cooking and working in her yard. She often prepared meals for her friends who were sick and for her neighbors, who enjoyed her soups, cakes, and other goodies.

Karol was a member of the Newport News Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for 45 years where she participated in many activities and committees. Karol was also a Golden Life Member.

Karol is survived by her sister, Marsha Johnson Edlow; niece, Martia L. Edlow Cordell (husband Garrett); great-niece, Harper Avery Cordell; and cousin, Alison Hall.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 3911 Big Bethel Road, Yorktown, VA. Viewing will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the funeral home. The Omega Omega Service by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will follow from 6:00-7:00 p.m. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.