Come See Our Native Landscape

“It Felt Like a Calling” Katie Johnson was inspired by her older brother to go into funeral service industry. “My brother, Chris, is 16 years older than I, and when I was a young child,” she says, “I remember him working on his mortuary science homework.” She also recalls touring one of the funeral homes where he worked. “I was so intrigued.” When Katie started community college, she hadn’t yet decided that she was going to pursue a degree in mortuary science, “But when a school counselor asked me what degree I was striving for, I naturally answered ‘funeral service.’ From there on I took the prerequisites for mortuary school, and it felt like that’s what I was supposed to be doing,” she says. “It felt like a calling.” Eventually Katie got her bachelor’s of science degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota, just as Chris had done years before. Originally from Minnesota, Katie grew up in Minnetonka, a suburb of the Twin Cities. After graduating from high school, she moved to Belle Plaine, a rural farming community an hour south of Minneapolis. She worked in her home state before relocating to Johnson City this year to join the Morris-Baker staff. “After meeting the staff and seeing Johnson City,” she says, “I felt very optimistic that this would be a good move for me.” When asked what she likes most about working for Morris-Baker, she says, “I appreciate the integrity with which the business is run, an emphasis on the value in funeral service, and how fairly the staff is treated.” When not at work, Katie loves spending time with her family. She also spends a lot of her time helping animals: she volunteers at rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries. She also likes travel, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with friends. We are so glad to have Katie on staff with us, and we hope she will stay with us for many years to come. 

Caring Voices is a 24-hour grief counseling service offered by phone for those coping with the loss of a loved one. All calls are confidential. Call (423) 282-1521 today to learn more about the free service.

Know a grieving child, teen or family? Camp Firefly is a one-day grief camp Saturday, September 28th at Warrior’s Path State Park. Scan the QR code for more information or call 423.844.5257

Come see what's blooming!

It's Assisted Living Week. Assisted living can be a great option for seniors who need help with activities or daily living but want to maintain their independence. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from grief support, please make plans to attend one of our upcoming, in-person grief support groups. We meet the first and third Tuesday of every month at Everlan of Johnson City. Next meeting is September 17th at 5pm. No registration is required.

Grandparents Day is celebrated to honor the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, and to recognize their contributions to our lives.

Know a grieving child, teen or family? Camp Firefly is a one-day grief camp Saturday, September 28th at Warrior’s Path State Park. Scan the QR code for more information or call 423.844.5257.

Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is important, especially after the age of 45, when our bodies tend to be more prone to injuries and ailments. Get out there and find a hobby or sport that keeps you moving, and remember to eat those leafy greens.