Carolyn Johnson Herndon was the first child born to Bonnie and Jay Lynn Johnson in New York City on October 17, 1951. As the oldest child she was usually responsible for looking after her sister, Arlene, and brother, Maurice. She was a good sister throughout her life, always concerned about her families’ welfare. She was more like a second mother for us.
Carol was very talented and artistic. She auditioned for Art and Design High School and her art portfolio was accepted in 9 th grade. She had impeccable taste, a grand command of the English language and spoke the King’s English properly. We often teased her about her linguistics because she was so proper. At the same time, she would correct your Ebonics regularly.
During High School, Carolyn met and married Clarence (Clyde) Slatter Jr. Soon their first child Mark, (who preceded them in death) was born. Then their daughter, Kimberly was born,Carolyn’s Christmas present. Carolyn soon decided to go into the workplace and landed a position as a Medical Transcriber at St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan. This began her career in the field of medicine. Carolyn’s great diction allowed her to not only learn medical terminology, but she also became efficient in her knowledge of diagnosis and treatment. One could even assume she was an RN or Physician.
Carolyn relocated with her daughter Kim, first to South Carolina then to Atlanta with her friend and companion Sandye Lark and her son Justin in 1981. She remained in the medical field and worked at Grady Hospital and Emory University Medical School where she managed interns and a 3-million-dollar budget. She became proficient in computer skills and technology. Carol then went on to Shorter University where she received a BA in Business Administration.
Carolyn began practicing Nichiren Buddhism in 2008 along with Sandye who introduced her to the practice. She shared the practice with her sister Arlene who also practices Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Carolyn was a proud mother and relished her daughter Kimberly’s career accomplishments. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Patrice, and Kirsten. We must not forget to mention her Yorkees, Tina, Jack, and Mindy, they were part of the family not pets.
Carolyn started a fresh new life when she bought her home and moved to Savannah in 2010. She immediately became the Women’s Division District Leader for the Soka Gakkai (Buddhist Organization) in her District. Shortly after she reunited with her first love and childhood sweetheart Arthur Herndon III. They were married in 2013. Arthur loved Carol dearly and took great care of her throughout her illness up until her demise.
Carolyn leaves to cherish her memories, her husband; Arthur Herndon III, daughter; Kimberly Woodward, sister: Arlene O’Bryant, brother; Ronald Maurice Johnson, two granddaughters, Patrice Lawrence (Roderick), and Kirsten Ross, nieces; Taryn Rhodes (Tyrone), Monica Murchison, Destiny Lawson, Victoria O’Bryant, Angelina O’Bryant, and Gianna Pucciarelli. Nephews; Husyan Maurice Singletary, Melo Azriel Benveniste, Justin Lark, and Rohan Maurice Murchison. Three of her dearest and closest friends; Sandye Lark, Gail Wyatt, and Patricia Casey. And a host of cousins, extended family, relatives, and friends.
The Memorial Service will be held at Families First Funeral Care Chapel on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:30 PM.
Offer Condolence for the family of Carolyn J. Herndon
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Joanne Boykin
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Carolyn. She was my supervisor at Emory University for many years. Prayers, peace, blessings and comfort to her family 🙏🏽🙏🏽