Carolynn (Long) Johnson
Carolynn Patricia (Long) Johnson was born on January 10, 1949, in Sulphur, to the late John Richard and Carlene Mildred (Burleson) Long, Jr. She passed from this life, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at her home, east of Sulphur.
Carolynn grew up on the Long Family Ranch, east of Sulphur. She obtained her elementary education at Mill Creek prior to transferring to Sulphur where she excelled in band, and she was the drum major. She graduated from the Sulphur Senior Class of 1967. She attended the University of Oklahoma until 1970. After her marriage to James T Johnson in 1970 she transferred to East Central University where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
Carolynn taught in the Sulphur School System when she gained notoriety as a choreographer, both her and a fellow teacher, Carolyn Sparks, gained national attention with the 1976 bicentennial “Share the Fun.” Their performances included Washington Crossing the Delaware, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Shot Heard Around the World.
She and her family attended the Presbyterian Church where she was active as a Sunday school teacher. She taught school until she moved with her family to Brighton, CO in 1982.
The Johnson Family returned to the Sulphur area in 1989. In 1994, the Johnson Family formed Safety Plus USA. Carolynn was the CEO until 2007, which at that time, Safety Plus was the largest safety company in Oklahoma.
Carolynn was instrumental in purchasing property and forming the Johnson Ranch. In the event of Carlene’s death, the Long Ranch and Johnson Ranch was combined and formed the Long Johnson Ranch. During this time Carolynn achieved the title of “Master Cattleman” awarded by OSU. Right before Carolynn’s death, The Long Johnson Ranch was designated the first Centennial Ranch in Murray County recognized by the state of Oklahoma. Carolynn enjoyed ranching with her husband and two sons on the Long Johnson Ranch that was established in 1904.
Other groups and organizations that she was active with included GFWC, Sulphur Sorosis Club, Murray County Cattlemen’s Association, Hereford Heaven Round Up Club, Southern Oklahoma Corvette Club, and the Arbuckle Historical Society. Carolynn thoroughly enjoyed showing her Corvettes in multiple car shows, in which she won several shows.
Those left to carry on her legacy include her husband, Terry Johnson; her two sons, BJ Johnson and wife Jennifer, and Boone Johnson and wife Lauren; all of Sulphur; her six grandchildren, Brycelynn Robledo and husband Danny, Brialey Sherrell and husband Taw, Remington Johnson, Kenleigh Johnson, Addison Johnson and Maggie Johnson; two great-granddaughters, Mila Robledo and Sadee Sherrell; as well as one nephew, Chris Cavins and wife Carrie; niece, Sabrina (Cavins) Breazeale and husband Ed; and two great nephews, Quentin and Finn.
In addition to her parents, Carolynn was preceded in death by infant sister, Johnelle Long and sister Brenda (Long) Cavins.
Services for Carolynn will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 8, 2024, at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Sulphur, with Pastor Dick Terry officiating. A private burial will be held at the Long Johnson Ranch.
The family would like to acknowledge Good Shepherd Hospice for the exceptional care given to Carolynn in her final days.
Services are entrusted to Hale’s Funeral Home of Sulphur. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.