Gwendolyn Waynette Johnson

Gwendolyn Waynette Johnson, 80, beloved daughter, sister, neighbor, and friend passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024. A native of Detroit, Michigan, she was born on January 29, 1944, to the late Wayman Johnson and Marjorie Johnson.

Gwen received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and educational psychology from Wayne State University. She loyally served as an early childhood teacher, a coordinator for students with special needs, a language arts and social studies teacher, and a vocal music teacher with the Detroit Public Schools for 32 years, from where she ultimately retired with a stellar record of service. She was also a gifted musician and served as a piano teacher and vocal music teacher after retiring. She moved to Burlington, NC in 2006, where she lived until her passing. Gwen was a loyal friend and neighbor. She could often be seen walking or biking in her neighborhood, or gardening and tending to her yard.

Gwen was a diligent, thoughtful, and purposeful student of Kabbalah. She devoted her life to living out the values and principles of Kabbalah, sharing her contagious positivity with all whom she encountered. Two years ago, fueled by her boundless passion for empowering youths, she became a certified SFK facilitator, dedicated to fostering emotional and spiritual intelligence among children and youth. Her mission: to guide them in discovering their divine essence, mastering their emotions, cultivating empathy, and fortifying their resilience. From across the globe, she facilitated classes in Africa via Zoom in schools and rehabilitation centers.

She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved sister, Beverly Sadler, who was her best friend.

A celebration of life to honor her memory will be held at the Mackintosh on the Lake Clubhouse on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Kabbalah Centre at www.kabbalah.com/en/giving?fund=honor-of-gwendolyn