Karin K. (Gibson) Johnson passed away Thursday, June 15, 2017 surrounded by her family after a long fought battle with cancer.
Karin was born in Lansing, MI to Dawne and T. Kent Gibson on September 5, 1968. She lived in Sunfield, MI until she was 6 and then lived in Hastings for the remainder of her school age years. Karin grew up with 3 bothers, Gregg (Allyson), Geoff (Steph) and Grant (Amber).
Karin was always full of energy, faith, music and a love for children. She earned her degree in elementary education from Michigan State University in 1992, and then married Brad Johnson that summer before moving to the east side of the state of Michigan to teach. There she taught language arts for the Wayne-Westland Community Schools for 6 years until her second child was born. She also earned a Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University during this time.
Brad and Karin decided to move back to the west side of the state of Michigan in 1998 so their children could grow up around family. Karin stayed home and raised their two boys, Matthew and Samuel and later had two more children, Hannah and Micah.
Karin was always active in her children’s education, and volunteered frequently with the local library and in the schools. When Micah went to school, Karin decided to go also, and she was hired to teach preschoolers in the Great Start Readiness Program at Northeastern Elementary. Throughout the years, Karin was also the teacher and music leader for the 3-11 year olds in her church as she loved working with the primary aged children.
Karin was an avid singer and enjoyed her “music therapy” while performing with the Lakewood Area Choral Society. She also enjoyed running and reading.
Karin’s greatest source of joy was her family, and she loved seeing her children try their best and excel in school, scouts and sports. Karin was so sad to be taken by a recurrence of breast cancer as she had many plans and great things to look forward to. She wanted to thank everyone for being a part of her life and ask that you all find ways to help show continued love and support to her family. Cheer for them extra loud at their events, give them hugs and support when you see them, and help them to continue to feel their mother’s love.
Memorial service will be Wednesday June 21, 2017 at 5:30pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 505 N. Airport Rd, Hastings, MI. An open reception will immediately follow from 6:30 – 8:30. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Karin Johnson Scholarship fund c/o Hastings Educational Enrichment Foundation, 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, MI 49058.
