Shannon, Illinois

Carolyn "RJ" Deininger, 65, of Shannon, died Friday, January 8, 2016 at FHN Memorial Hospital.

Born December 9, 1950 in Freeport, she was the daughter of Albert J. and Mary (Bastian) Johnson. She met the love of her life, Paul Deininger, on a blind date in 1992, and they married on October 4, 1997.

Carolyn was a long time member of Bethel Church in Shannon. An active member of the church, she served as a Trustee, Sunday School and Bible School teacher.

Her interests were many, including music, The Beatles, antiques, attending auctions, and decorating the house for every holiday.

Carolyn was a die hard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. She was passionate about her community, organ donation, and doing random acts of kindness.

She is survived by her husband, Paul of Shannon, her children, Dr. Roslyn (Michael Hooper) Sword of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Andrew (Kelly) Chesney of Freeport; and Alicia (Andy Ward) Chesney of Bloomington, Minnesota; her step-children, Heidi Houy of Poplar Grove and Brooke Wagner of Lena; her brother James Johnson of Lena; grandchildren, Bishop Hooper, Nicholas Altamirano, Jess, Jack, and Elly Heimer, and Seth Wagner; Godchild, Elayna Erdmier; and countless wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joel Johnson, and son Adrian Sword.

Visitation will be at Bethel Church in Shannon on Monday, January 11 from 4pm-7pm.
Funeral services will be at Bethel Church in Shannon on Tuesday, January 12 at 10am.

A memorial has been established for Bethel Church, Shannon Park, and Shannon Fire and Ambulance.

Please visit www.walkermortuary.com to leave a condolence, light a candle, or send flowers