Carol Ann Johnson

Carol Ann (Nicholson) Johnson, a lifelong Michigan resident whose kindness and quiet strength touched countless lives, passed away at the Toni and Trish House surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others throughout her years.

Born on July 31, 1941, in Alpena, Michigan, Carol was the cherished daughter of William Nicholson and Thelma June Rouleau. She spent her early years in Alpena, where she was a member of the Girl Scouts of the USA as a young girl, graduating from Alpena Catholic Central High School in 1959, before making Midland her lifelong home.

It was on a blind date to a Midland High School football game in the fall of 1962 that Carol met the love of her life, Jack Lynn Johnson. Their story blossomed into a beautiful marriage, and on June 8, 1963, they were united in matrimony at St. Anne Catholic Church in Alpena. Together, they shared 39 devoted years of marriage until Jack's passing in 2001. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Lisa Lynn, born January 19, 1970.

Carol dedicated over 50 years of her professional life as an executive secretary with Fisher Companies, where her diligence, reliability, and warmth earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike. Even after retirement, her strong work ethic and love for community led her to continue working at Alpine Mobile Home Park.

Above all, Carol's greatest joy came from her family. The arrival of her two granddaughters in the 1990s filled her heart beyond measure; they became her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

A faithful and devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Midland, Carol lived her life as a servant of God, guided by compassion, generosity, and grace. She found happiness in life's simple pleasures: cooking for loved ones, reading the Midland Daily News, sending thoughtful greeting cards, listening to music, watching Lawrence Welk, visiting the Butterfly House at Dow Gardens, and often indulging in a sweet treat.

Carol will be remembered as a woman who cared deeply for others, always offering love, comfort, and a listening ear. She formed lasting friendships throughout her life and was a friend to all who knew her. Among those friendships, she held especially dear Ann (Pamerleau) Gehrke, Alzora "Zorrie" (Rouleau) Ouellette, Judy (Nehring) Oliver, Gaye (Mousseau) Lixie, Bette Fisher, Jan Hoag, Ann Roberson, and all of the wonderful neighbors along Wallen Street whose companionship brought her great joy through the years.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Lisa Lynn Johnson (Cora Zinbauer) of Tawas City; her granddaughters, Alana L. (Russell) Plamondon (John) of Midland and Karle A. (Russell) Johnson (Paul) of Oscoda; her siblings, Lawrence Nicholson (Marcia) of Midland, Charles Nicholson (Carol) of Crystal, Julie Corwin (Robert) of Alpena; brother-in-law, Gerald Nowicki of Alpena; and son-in-law Charles Russell Jr. of Midlland.

Carol is also lovingly survived by her many nieces and nephews: Christopher Nicholson (Christine) of Philadelphia; Jason Nicholson (Casey) of Ray Township; Kimberly Dana and Darin Dana (Kristine) of Midland; Jeffrey Nowicki (Maria) of Birch Run; Robert Nowicki (Ariel) of Kingsley; Aaron Nicholson, William Nicholson, Charles Nicholson, and Genevieve Nicholson, all of Alpena; Michael Corwin (Angie) and Patrick Corwin of Alpena; Jennifer Corwin (Glenn) of Cleveland and Monnette Creamer (Walt) of Dothan.

She is further survived by her cherished great-nieces and great-nephews: Liam Nicholson; Hannah Dana; David and Devyn Dana; Alex, Jordan, and Ciera Nowicki; Jenna Nowicki; Charity, Logan, Micah, Oliver, and Eleanor Corwin; Tara Palmer; Kelli Carroll; and Paul and Alicia Cutchen.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Lynn Johnson; her parents, William and Thelma Nicholson; her brother, Richard Nicholson and his wife, Alice Nicholson; her sister, Janice Nowicki; her nephew, Scott Nowicki; her nieces, Ginger Nowicki and Brenda Cutchen and her husband, Stanley Cutchen; and her beloved mother-in-law, Minnie Johnson.

Carol's legacy is one of unwavering love, quiet devotion, and enduring faith. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example and a community better for having known her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3109 Swede Avenue. Father Rob Howe will officiate with burial to follow in Midland Memorial Gardens. Carol's family will receive friends at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, on Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Liturgy. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the family or the Toni and Trish House in Carol's memory.

All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Johnson family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.