Mary Karen Hogge Johnson

In Loving Memory of Mary Karen Hogge Johnson

Mary Karen Hogge Johnson, of Owingsville, Kentucky passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 2, 2026. Mary Karen was born September 15, 1951, in Lexington, Kentucky and the daughter of the late Glenmore and Bessie Carmichael Hogge. She was raised in Owingsville, Kentucky, and a graduate of Bath County High School. She also attended the University of Kentucky and Morehead State University. She was of the Christian faith and grew up in the Owingsville First Christian Church. Mary Karen was a retired postal worker who dedicated many decades of her life to her career. Yet her greatest accomplishments were never measured by a job title or a paycheck. They were found in the family she loved and the friendships she treasured.

Mary Karen was married to her beloved husband, Billy Johnson, with whom she shared a life and family. Together, they raised their three children, Wesley, Barry, and MinDee, who were the center of her world. One of Mary Karen’s greatest and most favorite roles in life was being a Mimi to her granddaughters - Macy, Ava Blaire (Miss A), and Mia Gracyn (Miss Gra). They held a very special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment she shared with them.

Mary Karen was a strong, independent, intelligent, and quick-witted woman. Mary Karen lived her life with strength, determination, humor, and a heart full of love. She was the kind of woman who could make people laugh with her quick wit, surprise them with her intelligence, and remind everyone through her actions what it meant to be strong. She had a mind of her own, a spirit that could not easily be shaken, and a personality that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was strong when life demanded strength, independent when the road was not easy, and loving in ways that words could never fully express.

Mary Karen was an avid reader and could always be found with a book in hand and loved to share her books with fellow readers. She was also a wonderful cook and loved having a table filled with people enjoying her food. Mary Karen also loved music and dancing – she could often be found in her kitchen listening and dancing to her favorite songs. Another favorite past time of hers, was to drive aimlessly with the radio loud and the windows down. She also had a penchant for funny shirts and would often wear them to show her humor. Finally, she was an expert piddler and loved to piddle around her house.

In addition to her parents, Mary Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Billy Johnson, and her oldest son Wesley Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her brothers – Mickey Hogge and Tommy Hogge. Mary Karen is survived by her son Barry Johnson of Owingsville, Kentucky; her daughter MinDee Chandler (Anthony) of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; her granddaughters Macy (Darrin) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Ava Hudson and Gracyn Hudson, both of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren – Jack, Owen, and Bennett – all of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Mary Karen also leaves her cherished friend of over 70 years, Diana Staton Toy to mourn her as well as her family – Roger, JJ, and Lindsay. She also leaves behind cherished friends and neighbors - J.R. and Nancye Fields. Mary Karen required additional love and support at the end of her life and was lovingly and respectfully given that care by Mary Dailey, Tracy Barrett, and Lindsey Henderson – all of whom she grew to love. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Mary Karen will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 7, 2026 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville followed by a memorial service at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Gary Boyd officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bath County Public Library and/or Christian Social Services.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home at 89 Slate Avenue in Owingsville is caring for all arrangements for Mary Karen Hogge Johnson.