In Loving Memory of Mary Karen Hogge Johnson
Mary Karen Hogge Johnson, 75, of Owingsville, passed away peacefully, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born Sept. 15, 1951, in Lexington, she was the daughter of the late Glenmore and Bessie Carmichael Hogge. She was raised in Owingsville, 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. She 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. She was a strong, independent, intelligent and quick-witted woman. She 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. She 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. She 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.
She 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 her 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.
Survivors include her son, Barry Johnson of Owingsville; daughter, MinDee Chandler (Anthony) of Mt. Sterling; granddaughters, Macy (Darrin) of Bowling Green, and Ava Hudson and Gracyn Hudson, both of Mt. Sterling. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Jack, Owen and Bennett, all of Bowling Green. She leaves her cherished friend of over 70 years, Diana Staton Toy, to mourn her, as well as her family, Roger, JJ and Lindsay. Also, cherished friends and neighbors, J.R. and Nancye Fields. She 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.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Billy Johnson; her oldest son, Wesley Johnson; and brothers, Mickey Hogge and Tommy Hogge.
Service was conducted Saturday, Nov. 7, at the chapel of the Michael R.Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Bath County Public Library and/or Christian Social Services.
The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville cared for all arrangements.
To view the online memorial and sign the guest book, please visit www.mrgfh.com.
