Patricia Enders Johnson

Patricia Enders Johnson, 73, of Statesville, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 14.

Born on St Patrick's Day to a devout Irish Catholic mother, it was fitting that she be named Patricia — though to friends and family, she was always Pat. Raised in Estell Manor, N.J., as the second of 15 children of the late Robert (Bob) and Mary Enders, Pat found her calling to care for others. She would carry this passion into motherhood and a long career in healthcare. “I’ve been a caregiver all my life,” she would say by way of introduction.

After graduating from Pleasantville High School in Pleasantville, N.J., in 1971, Pat earned her licensed practical nurse certificate and went to work at Bishop McCarthy Hospital in Vineland, N.J. This job was pivotal, as it would lead to both an eventual move south to Statesville and a happy, 42-year-long marriage. Her colleague Gretchen Johnson arranged a blind date introducing Pat to the late Edward (Ed) Paul Johnson Sr. After less than a year of courtship, with Ed driving more than 1,000 miles round trip every other weekend from Statesville, they married in 1977.

Together, they had six children: Edward Johnson Jr. (Lindsay); Michael Johnson (Christine); Christopher Johnson (Sarah); Laurie Wilson (Colin), all of Statesville; Kathleen Mohr (William) of Charleston, S.C., and Megan Douek (Daniel) of London, England. Later, they would have 19 grandchildren.

Throughout the years, Pat shared her compassion with many across Statesville, both young and old. She worked at Barium Springs Home for Children and EdenGardens (The Gardens) Assisted Living, and finally, as a volunteer at Gordon Hospice House and Iredell Adult Day Services (ElderCenter Inc).

Like her mother, Pat was deeply religious. She was a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Statesville. Following Ed’s passing in 2020, she channelled her heartbreak into purpose by comforting others in the church through grief counselling.

Above all, Pat was a proud mother and grandmother. Her family was the great joy of her life, and her love for them was returned in full. She will be profoundly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 am Monday, May 25, 2026, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, with Rev. Father Peter Fitzgibbons officiating. Pat will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, with Troutman Funeral home assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's memory, can be sent to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625 or St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 525 Camden Drive, Statesville NC 28677.