OBITUARY
Carlie Jo Johnson of San Angelo, beloved by all of her friends across West Texas, passed from this life at the age of 20 to her heavenly home on November 13, 2025.
Carlie was born in Abilene on December 28, 2005, to parents Doug and TaLisha (Rogers) Johnson. She eventually gave herself the middle name “Grace,” and she made sure her birthday was anticipated for months in advance, and was not overshadowed by Christmas.
Carlie Jo grew up close to her big brother, Hayden, and her baby sister, Lanie ”Bob.” They bonded on road trips, at family gatherings, and supporting each other in their activities. She had great pride and love for them both.
In her world, everyone and everything seemed to be made just for her.
Sunshine preschool was her domain to learn, sing, and play “grown-up,” even making her whole preschool class sit on the steps so she could lead them in song.
Babysitters learned many lessons as she played out her many creative adventures. The living room was for captivating concerts. Emphasis on captive. College ministry students seemed to be big older play mates just for Carlie Jo, like when she locked them away in jail in her room.
Carlie lived moments to the fullest and then looked forward to experiencing what was next. From Lamar Elementary, to Glenn Middle School, she enjoyed her place and teachers the in each class, while still anticipating the next grade and teacher.
Carlie Jo participated in sports, but being an elite athlete was less important than the fun she enjoyed from having teammates and riding with the team.
One of her greatest joys and growth catalysts was Lake Cisco Christian Camp. She lived for church camp, won Friendliest Girl Camper, and went back as a junior counselor at camp.
On June 15, 2022, Carlie made Jesus her Lord, being baptized into Christ by Jyles Wootton.
At Miles High School, Carlie continued making new friends and loved car rides and jamming out. But she found her passion and put her gifts to use when she hopped into a band with three senior boys her freshman year. They discovered they sounded good and loved performing at local venues as much as possible.
After their graduation, Carlie Jo found herself singing on the Paulann Youth-Worship Team and got to sing with the Sunday morning team occasionally. No stage was too big for Carlie, and she had a voice that could sooth, stun and compel the soul.
Carlie Jo was an Adam Sandler fan and loved her dogs. But if you think she loved her miniature schnauzer Darcy, and her giant schnauzer Goose, there’s no comparison to how deeply she loved her friends and family.
Carlie considered several to be her best friend, and was happiest sleeping over as many consecutive nights as possible. If she was driving alone, she was simply on her way to either meet with friends, or possibly to see her twin cousins.
Carlie moved back to Central High School and picked up with friends like she was never gone. In May of 2024, Carlie fought through over a month of chemo to finish early and get back home in time to walk the stage and graduate.
Carlie lived beautifully and true to herself. She was not defined by her struggles. Despite life-long health challenges and a long term battle with cancer, they could not keep her from shining through, singing, smiling, laughing, joking, loving and impacting countless others for Jesus by her faith and boldness.
Carlie Jo is survived by her mom and dad, TaLisha and Doug Johnson, siblings Hayden and Lanie Johnson; Great Grandmother; Dorothy Romines; Grandparents Pop and Meemee — Rusty and Carolyn Rogers, ReeRee and JD Davidson, and Papaw and Nano— Walden and Alma Johnson; Aunts and Uncles Tiffany and Dave Whitson, Derick and Courtney Rogers, Stephanie Lozano, Vanessa and JR Carr, Jennifer Portlock; and cousins: Kate, Elise, Teagan, Knox, Bristee, Lochlan, Kian, Corinne and Riley.
Carlie Jo is preceded in death by her great-grandmother Bobbie McKillip, cousin Shelby McKillip, friend Brandon Garza, and heavenly best friend Koti Goolsby White.
A celebration of Life was held November 17 at Paulann Baptist.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to ”A Wish with Wings” (awww.org) or “Angie’s Angels” (angiesangels.love)
Thank you all for your faithful prayers, love and support for Carlie Jo and her family.
-From Harper Funeral Home
