Daisy Oleta (Townsend) Johnson

Mrs. Daisy Townsend Johnson, age 95, of 533 R.J. Aldridge Road, Banner Elk, the Foscoe Community, died Friday, July 10, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Daisy was born April 14,1931 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Andrew and Polly Mae Townsend. Daisy was a lifelong member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church and served faithfully. She missed very few Sundays and was always ready to help where needed. The new fellowship hall kitchen addition was dedicated to her for her many hours spent preparing meals and she would be last one in line making sure everyone had eaten first.

She could always be found at the church yard sales, camping trips, craft bazaars, and Cherokee trips. She always looked forward to traveling to Living Waters Lutheran Church in Cherokee. You could always find her Saturday mornings at any yard sale she could find. This was adding to her many years of collecting ducks along with the hundreds she already had from family.

She along with many of her children worked for the Seven Devils Resort. She later met the Runk family and worked for them many years when they moved to the Hound Ears Club.

The love of gardening kept her young and you could always find lunch on the table at noon sharp. From the many trips hiking Grandfather picking huckleberries with her sister Pearl to picking and canning fresh vegetables from her garden, these were some of the many things she instilled in her children that she was proud of.

Daisy’s passion was her family, and most of all her many generations of grandchildren. She was proud that the family continued to gather Christmas night every year with over 60 family members gathering and opening presents or playing Dirty Santa.  

Daisy is survived by daughters, Mary Issacs and husband Carlton, of Zionville; Jackie Mitchell and husband Ronnie of Cajah’s Mountain; and Vivian Hodges and husband Kenny of Purlear; sons Hughie Johnson of Banner Elk, and Earl Johnson and wife, Sherry of Banner Elk; daughter-in-law Linda Johnson of Lenoir; sisters Viola Daniels of Newland, and Lucy Hayes and husband Donald of Vilas.

Daisy is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and one on the way, 13 great-great grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren; 3 step-great great grandchildren.

In addition, she was preceded in death by her husband Charlie Johnson; son Henry Johnson; an infant son; granddaughter Kimberley Hodges; daughter-in-law Jeanette Johnson; brothers, Adam Townsend; Larkin Townsend; two infant brothers; sisters, Lillie Townsend; Pearl Stafford; Nellie Townsend; Alice Daniels; and Ader Jane Townsend.

Funeral services for Daisy Townsend Johnson will be conducted on Saturday, July18, 2026, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon at Holy Communion Lutheran Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Officiating will be Pastor Randy Rothchild. Burial will follow in Holy Communion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all the staff of Amorem Hospice Care of Boone for their passion and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amorem High Country Hospice Care and Palliative, 274 Archie Carroll Road, Boone, NC 28607, or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.asutineandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Johnson family.

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