Karen Elaine "KJ" (Holbert) Johnson, 82, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

She was born on September 19, 1943, in St. Louis, MO, to the late Kenneth W. Holbert and Anita (née Copeland) Johnson.

Karen grew up in San Franscico Bay area. She went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degrees in education from California State University and later earned a degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Karen devoted her professional life to education and athletics, working as a physical education teacher and serving as director of girls' sports. She was a pioneer to bring equal opportunities for women in sports. A passionate athletic director and coach, she was recognized with many awards for her outstanding leadership and dedication to young athletes. She played professional basketball for the Golden State Warriors Women's basketball team and is in the Hall of Fame at Clayton Valley High School in California for her leadership, coaching, mentoring and inspiration. She was a person of great integrity, an advocate for equality, inclusive and friendly to all, and was always on time to show respect for others. She touched so many people as a life coach and truly impacted their lives.

She was an avid sports fan and loved the St. Louis Cardinals.

She had a great love for family and was blessed by her nieces, nephew and new great-niece, whom she always encouraged to strive to be their best selves.

Karen is survived by her brother, Ken (Margie) Holbert; her stepmother, Carol (Steele) Holbert; nieces, Marissa (James) Holbert-Zielinski and Elise Holbert; nephew, Collin (Jordan) Holbert; great-niece, Anna Rose Zielinski; and many dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Partners for Pets or Glen Ed Food Pantry and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.