Stella Howard Johnson

December 20, 1929 - January 23, 2026
Stella Johnson died peacefully on January 23. Her health declined sharply after the New Year and she was being cared for at the Transitions LifeCare Hospice Home at the time of her passing.
Stella was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dewey Johnson. Stella lived a full life, most of it with Dewey at her side. Stella was born in Willow Springs to Jodie and Irene Howard. One of nine children, she would live in rural Wake and Harnett counties until the age of 18. In 1947 she would move to Raleigh and begin work at Dorothea Dix Hospital as a patient care nursing assistant. It was here that she met Dewey, who also worked at the hospital, and they married in 1950. Together, they would raise their two children in Raleigh and live a full and rewarding life. After Dewey retired in 1977, they would go on to travel extensively in the USA, Canada and even Europe…with a favorite destination being Hawaii which they visited no fewer than 13 times. In 1986, they would relocate to Wake Forest, NC. Stella enjoyed her family and friends. She loved to cook, sew, quilt, tend her garden and yard, create jewelry and many other craft activities. She always would be there for others whenever there was a need.
Stella is survived by her son Darrow (Jean), her daughter Annette (Deb), two grandsons Brian Collins (Jennifer) and Blair Johnson (Ariane), one great grand-daughter Arwyn Collins, her sister Elaine Summers and many dear nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jodie and Irene Howard; brothers, Marcellus, J.C., Clyde, and James; sisters, Beatrice, Eloise and Jamie (3 months).
A service celebrating her life will be held at 1:30 on Wednesday February 4 at Wake Union Baptist Church in Wake Forest. The family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Stella’s honor may be made to: Wake Union Baptist Church; 13345 Wake Union Church Road, Wake Forest NC 27587.