Elva Mae Johnson

Elva Mae Davis Johnson, 92, of Harkers Island, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

A funeral service to honor Elva Mae’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 15th at Harkers Island Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Lee Pittard. Interment will follow at Vergie Mae Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Elva Mae was born on May 29, 1931, in the family home on Harkers Island, NC, to the late Joseph and Sallie Davis. Elva Mae took her school studies seriously, which was evident in her role as the Class of 1949 Valedictorian at Harkers Island High School. It was in those young years, at the age of 16, that she met her forever sweetheart, Harry Preston Johnson. They married just a few years later on August 5, 1950, at the New Bern Courthouse when Elva Mae was 19.  

Elva Mae wore many hats throughout her life, from working at Hills Motel, the Shirt Factory, and opening scallops, to her most cherished role as a homemaker. She took immense pride in caring for her family and home, finding joy in every moment spent with her grandchildren. In later years she had the privilege of caring for her mother who lived next door to her. Family meant everything to her.

Elva Mae had a special cousin, Dawn, who passed away recently. Dawn lived nearby and they shared a deep kinship, Elva Mae always considered her more like a sister. Dawn would call each morning and they'd discuss what she was cooking that day and bringing over. Her passing left a void in Elva Mae’s heart but they are rejoicing together today in heaven. 

Elva Mae was a dedicated Christian woman who faithfully attended Harkers Island Methodist Church, a place she held dear to her heart. She treasured her position there as Sunday School secretary. As time went on and she was unable to attend church physically, she still remained dedicated to her role as Sunday School secretary. 

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her son, Joseph “Joey” Preston Johnson (Kim); sister, Janice Fischer; sister-in-law, Matilda Davis; granddaughter, Falyn Johnson Rivenbark (Trey); grandson, Matthew LaChance; great-grandsons, Charles Preston Styron, Beau Thomas Rivenbark, and Matthew Cade LaChance; special friends, Rebecca Ingram, Connie Gaskill, and Margaret Ann Gillikin; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Elva Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Preston Johnson in 1993; and siblings, Joe Neal “Bubby” Davis (Leola), Etheridge Davis (Urith), and Johnnie Davis Sr. 

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Harkers Island Methodist Church, 603 Cape Lookout Dr., Harkers Island, NC 28531 or Gentiva Hospice, 662 W Corbett Ave., Swansboro, NC 28584.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.