Sharon Lea Johnson

Those that knew Sharon well would describe her as a passionate soul, highly creative and artistic, and also fiercely loyal and protective. She loved life, she loved christian hymns and singing. She made sure that if those around her needed anything, she provided it. Sharon could not tolerate for people to do without. It was also easy to see that she was truly proud of her family and their accomplishments.

Today we celebrate the life of Sharon Lea Johnson, having passed from this life on September 19, 2021 at the age of 71. She was born on the 31st of May, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan and later moved with her family back to Mayfield, Kentucky, and then to St. Louis, Missouri.

It was in St. Louis where she met the love of her life at Riverside Church of Christ when she was just 16 years old. Three years later, she and Garry were married. Through good times and tough times, they navigated life’s challenges together and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 25, 2019. While renewing their vows, she expressed to the officiating minister that she wished she had another 50 years with Garry.

Sharon and Garry have two sons; Gary Christopher Johnson, wife Wendi Johnson, and son Ashton Johnson of Cumming, GA and Timothy Scott Johnson, wife Kelly Johnson, and children Alex Johnson and Kali Johnson of Weaverville, NC.

Sharon and Garry were also foster parents to many newborns. It was her strong desire that these babies would have the same great beginning to life that she provided to her own children.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan Milford Legate and Ruth Marie Legate (Howard), and her twin sister, Karen Marie Legate of Mayfield, Kentucky.

Sharon is survived by her brother Phillip Legate and wife Michelle of Marion, Iowa, and sister Carol White and husband James of Atkins Arkansas. She leaves behind many caring sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, coworkers, and friends.

Sharon achieved one of her life goals, graduating from MidContinent University with a business degree. She diligently served several cities and municipalities throughout her career and eventually retired on June 4th, 2020 from Lumpkin County Emergency Services in the mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia where she served as an Administrative Assistant for Fire Chief David Wimpy. Sharon was fond of saying, “if you love your job, it isn’t work” – and she truly loved her job and the people and community that she served.

Throughout the years, Garry and Sharon were dedicated members of several Churches of Christ and are currently members of the Biltmore Church of Christ in Asheville.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 25 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian and her family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Burial will be held at West Memorial Park.