Johnson, Karen C's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Karen Criss Johnson
Karen Criss Johnson, 65, journeyed to the Creator returning to the Spirit World surrounded by love on Thursday, July 9, 2026. She was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on March 13, 1961, to parents of Louis Dewitt Criss and Bernice Mae Davis Criss. She lived in Volusia County for most of her life, never too far from the Beach where she could enjoy early morning sunrises on the beach, sun on her face and wind in her hair. Even if she didn’t get to the ocean as much as she wanted, the ocean breeze would blow through the open windows of her home.
She found joy in many things throughout her life. Life is a series of seasons that guide you through your walk, some lasting longer than others until the next season. No matter the season, Karen embraced them with a steadfast strength to get her through.
Her most recent passion was her membership in the Christian Motorcyclists Association, Shepherd’s Flock #281, Daytona Beach. She joined in August 2021. This combined her love of The Lord and Motorcycles. In the beginning she stood off to the side and took it all in and little by little became an active member, serving as Treasurer. She would Volunteer for different events to assist with Daytona Bike Week, Biketoberfest Daytona, Leesburg Bikefest, monthly Women’s Bible Study Groups, fundraisers, and attending state rallies. Her love of sewing shined as she would set up at various small Swap Meets and sew patches onto vests/jackets. She was lovingly known as the peppermint lady when she would volunteer for bike parking as she brought containers of peppermint candy to pass out to those passing by with a large smile to greet them. They would look forward to seeing her each year and will be memorialized with the continuance of providing peppermints.
Shortly before Karen retired is when she had a goal to have her own bike. She searched around and found one that she purchased and converted into a trike. She was so happy to take the classes and become a registered rider. She would practice driving around the block near her home many times.
Karen retired from The Orthopedic Clinic of Daytona Beach in November 2023 after 20 years of service working there as their Worker’s Compensation Specialist. She was a member of the South Daytona Christian Church since October 2014. Strengthening her faith, she was baptized there in January 2024.
Karen was proud of her Native American culture. She attended Pow Wow’s all over the state. She displayed different Indian artifacts, paintings, bead work in her home and some that she crafted. After participating in the Barberville Pioneer Settlement as a craft vendor, her interest in weaving on a loom was born. She obtained a loom and enjoyed weaving for many years.
Karen was not one to sit still, you could find her in the yard tending to her plants or working on craft projects. Her craft projects could range from wanting to paint a wall or re-paint her
various yard statues, doing bead work, making jewelry, or crocheting. She enjoyed drawing and painting various pictures. She would revamp clothing with sewing projects.
In 2018, Karen got her dream dog, Patch. Patch is a Catahoula and was Karen’s shadow and companion in these last years. They could be found playing ball in the yard or going on car rides. Karen would have to lay down the back seat in her car for Patch to ride as she measures side to side. Patch brought great joy to Karen and earned her name from a Gift. Karen was given a Patch Bunny with booklet in the early years after the loss of her husband. Patch the bunny story is known for the seams of life’s journey. She used the story as a refuge and personally wrote these words: For reasons this touched my heart when grief was so bad, I would barely breathe. If you ever need to pay this forward for someone who is broken you can find me Karen!! She had a friend make patch bunnies and would give them and the booklet story to those in need. This gave her comfort to help others through the pain and loss that she experienced after her husband passed.
She leaves a legacy for being known for many things. Most didn’t see past the wall that she put up showing her opinionated, stubborn, no filter side. If you were lucky enough to penetrate her wall to see the heart and love that she had and to know her loyalty to you even if at her expense, you were blessed.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura (Jeff) Stephens, granddaughter, Rayne (Bryan) Walker, great grandson Bryson; uncle, Guy (JoAnn) Davis; cousins, Jim (Nancy) Strong, Jamie (Susan) Strong, Michael Strong, Charleen Davis, Nancy Davis, Mia Lawrence and Mark Davis. Her special friends that became family, Michelle (Jason), Dean (Michelle), Patrick (Jenny), Pam, Christi, Debbie (John), John, Sandy, Jan, Jo, Claudia, Ericka, Gary, Tammy and many other sisters/brothers in her CMA group. Godson, CJ (Lea) Mason.
She was preceded by her parents Louis, Sr. and Bernice Criss, her brother, Louis, Jr.; her husband, Robert “Beau” Johnson, who was the love of her life. They were married in November 1996 and shared 16 years together until he passed away in February 2012. They are now reunited in Heaven.
While our hearts break, we know that over the years she had different health issues and she is no longer restrained but is in a better place and is “wiggling” with joy celebrating being with Jesus.
In honor and memory of Karen, please donate a bunny for a toy drive, donate dog food to a shelter, or be a helping hand to someone who needs it, but doesn’t ask.
Patch – The Adjustment Bunny
He’s about 65, maybe more. So why would anyone expect him to be in perfect form?
Life if full of adjustments!!
His once smooth as satin skin is somewhat wrinkled in places. He’s had who knows how many surgeries ….. You can tell by all the different kinds of stitches holding him together.
There’s not much of the original bunny look ….. Most everything has been altered or “Patched”.
And now, His favorite of all time outfits is literally coming apart at the seams, and, in places his stuffing is coming out.
He never really had a name, but, considering his present state, he calls himself “Patch”.
You see, along life’s trail he learned something very important.
It’s not about the parts, or the skin, or things that come your way. It’s way deeper than that!!!
It’s about knowing you are loved, no matter how ….. or if ….. the bunny hops.
What’s your fondest memory of Karen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karen?
Share a story where Karen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karen you’ll never forget.
How did Karen make you smile?