May 30, 2026, 75, Wilson – Carstella Johnson, 75, beloved wife, mother, sister, and faithful servant of God, peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on May 30, 2026.
Born on November 25, 1950, in Stantonsburg, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Emma and Lonnie Ward. After high school, she moved to New Jersey, where she began a lifelong career in childcare. There she met and married Billy Ray Johnson, and together they built a loving family while traveling throughout the world during his military career, including assignments in Germany, Alaska, Texas, and California, before eventually returning to North Carolina.
A woman of strong faith, determination, and compassion, Carstella devoted more than 50 years to caring for children. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and concluded her distinguished career as a Program Coordinator with Bright Horizons in Cary, North Carolina.
In 1999, she courageously battled breast cancer while faithfully caring for her husband during his illness until his passing in 2001. Following her retirement in 2016, she lovingly cared for her grandchildren and aging mother. Later diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia, she faced her health challenges with grace and remained surrounded by the love and care of her family, especially her daughter, Iris. Throughout her journey, her warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness never faded.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Johnson; her parents, Lonnie and Emma Ward; her brothers, Alfred and Willard Exum, Darrell Ward, and Lonnie Ward; and her in-laws, Betty Exum, Judy and Charles Herring, and Earnest Lee and Marvin Johnson.
Those left to cherish her memories are her children: Decoris and Kristen Ward, Monquitta Dixon, and Da-mon and Iris Dames; grandchildren: William Ward Jr., Isaiah Ward, Angelique Robinson, Joey Knight, Shauntessa Johnson, Yamisa Hill, Devin Dames, Julius Dames, and Trenton Johnson; sisters: Sandra Uzell, Rachel Cain, and Patricia Morton; brothers-in-law: Daniel Jr. (Gilda) Johnson, Leroy (Marie) Johnson, Jonah (Renee) Johnson, Ben Cain and Irious Morton; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Carstella will be remembered for her selfless heart, quiet strength, enduring faith, and the countless lives she touched through her love and service. Her legacy will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.
A Celebration of Life honoring her memory will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 12 Noon at LN Forbes Original FWB Tabernacle, Wilson with Bishop Arinzor Blue officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery.
“May the work I’ve done, speak for me… May the life I’ve lived, speak for me…” Carstella Johnson
Professional and compassionate services entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc.
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