Carol Craigen Johnson, 85, of Sycamore died unexpectedly in her home on August 24, 2023.

She was born on December 4, 1937 to William and Wilmuth (Rosene) Craigen.  She graduated from the Sycamore High School in 1955, where she won many awards for her singing.  Then she attended Illinois Wesleyan University and Northern Illinois University studying music.

She worked as a telephone operator at Diamond Wire, where she met her husband, William (Bill) Johnson.  They married on May 23, 1959.  They were married for 32 years until Bill's death in 1991.  They enjoyed trips to Sweden, Ireland and Scotland to visit family.  They loved their time on Sanibel Island with family and friends.  After Bill's death, she met Arnold Edwards through the bereavement group meetings at the DeKalb County Hospice.  They were married in 1994.  They shared a love of music and dancing.

Carol was an active member of the community.  She was a valued volunteer for numerous organizations.  She served as the Chairman of the American Cancer Society for 10 years.  She also served as captain for the American Heart Assoc. for 10 years.  She was a volunteer at the Sycamore Municipal Hospital and the Kishwaukee Hospital.  She was involved in all her children's activities and served as a Girl Scout Leader, Den Mother and Room Mother.  Carol volunteered at West School with struggling readers.  She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church for over 60 years, where she taught Bible School.  She loved to take pictures and movies, dancing, traveling and music.  She especially loved having family enjoy the family pool and porch.

Carol is survived by her children Timothy (Christine) Johnson and Janine (Reginald) Richardson; stepchildren Stephen (Susan) Worley, Michael Worley and Gayle Worley; grandchildren Reginald Richardson II, Timothy Johnson, Courtney (Mick) Maley; great granddaughter Emelia Maley; step granddaughters Allison (Joel) Hillman and Claire Worley; step great grandchildren Ryker, Hazel, Iris and Uriah Hillman; nieces Theresa (Rob) Paulson, Lisa (Greg) Akers and Jennifer (Tom) Slater and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, William Johnson and Arnold Edwards; her parents; her sister Patricia Pollett; brother-in-law Dale Pollett and step daughter Sheila Thiel.

Her visitation will be held on Sunday, Sept. 3rd from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore.

Her funeral service will be on Monday, Sept. 4th at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home with Rev. Preston Fields officiating.  A private burial will take place on Tuesday at the Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Northern Illinois Hospice in care of the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

To sign the online guest book, go to http://www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com