Mrs. Johnson received an Associate's degree from Concordia Junior College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She went on to receive her Bachelor's degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. Finally, she received a Master's degree from IPFW in education with a reading endorsement.

Her teaching experience began in Milwaukee. She and her husband moved back to Fort Wayne after three years. Then she taught at Central Lutheran, St. John Emmanuel, and finished her career at Concordia Elementary. Since retirement, she has substituted throughout the Fort Wayne area. For 25 years, she was also the music director at Martini Lutheran Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have four children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandson. She and her husband are members of Concordia Lutheran Church where they are active in the choir.