Karen Stanek Johnston, 71, of Tryon, N.C., died Thursday, July 13, 2017 in Mission Hospital, Asheville, N.C. from a stroke.

She was born in Sharon, Pa. She was the daughter of the late Alex and Margaret Stanek.

Receiving her bachelor degree in Special Education from Marshall University, she taught for six years in the Raleigh, N.C. public school system. She also worked with preschool autistic and severely handicapped children in Lexington, Ky. for five years.

Retiring to Tryon, N.C. in 1998, she became a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and was very active in volunteer work in the community. She became a member of Tryon Fine Art Center and was instrumental in the acquisition and physical move to their present location on Main Street. She was an accomplished and respected artist who loved to paint delighting in exploring different media as her talent continued to grow.

Surviving include Ken Johnston, her husband of Tryon, N.C.; her son, Dr. Jeffrey Johnston of Phoenix, Ariz.; her daughter, Jaime Wallace of Charlotte, N.C.; her sister, Cynthia Capestrain of Canton, Ohio, and four grandchildren. Family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Funeral services will be held at 1:23 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church with Father Robert officiating.

Memorials may be made to Thermal Belt Outreach, 134 White Drive, Columbus, NC 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon, N.C.