Carol Ann [Johnson] Arriaga was born on September 14, 1950 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the first of eleven children born to Leo and Lucille Johnson. She departed this life to be with her Lord on August 19, 2021, after a brief illness at the age of 70.

Carol began her education in Anthony, Kansas, before the family moved to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Dunbar High School in 1968. She then attended Northeastern State University, Connors State College and earned an AA degree before transferring to Central State University. She was just shy of graduating when she met the love of her life, Carlos Arriaga in October of 1971 at a church revival. They married on March 4, 1972 and became the proud parents of five children. They had a wonderful, loving marriage that lasted for 49 years.

In her early 20's, Carol gave her heart to the Lord and remained faithful to her Savior throughout her life. She had a very beautiful voice and would often sing in family settings, but her shy disposition made her a bit reluctant to sing in public. She was gifted in helping others, loved keeping a clean house and was quite adept at interior decorating. IF there was a vacant spot on the wall or anywhere, she could find the perfect knick-knack to fill it.

Her home was a place of comfort. She loved her family and provided care not only for her children, but for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. Her grands affectionately called her Big Mama.

She lived many happy years as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a great daughter and an excellent big sister as well. She will be greatly missed but the love that she shared will forever remain in our hearts.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Lucille; two brothers, Roy Johnson and Gerard "Hollywood" Johnson; and a sister, Shirley Phillips.
Carol leaves to cherish her memory; her loving husband, Carlos Arriaga; two daughters, Valesha [Chris] Miller, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Kimberly [Jack] Arriaga Hulcher, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; three sons, Leo [Holli] Arriaga, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Carlos Armon [Tammy] Arriaga, of Muskogee, Oklahoma ans Shawn [Victoria] Arriaga, of San Antonio, Texas;

Her surviving family; her faither, Leo Johnson, of Muskogee, Oklahoma; her brothers, Myron Johnson, of Los Angeles, California, Dale Johnson, of Okmulgee, Darrell [Kimberly] Johnson, of Rancho Cordova, California, Chauncy [Crystal] Johnson, of Fishersville, Virginia; her sisters, Linda Montgomery, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Beverly [Tracy] Anderson, of Canton, Ohio, and Donna Johnson, of Dallas, Texas; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, saints and friends.
Proverbs 31: 10-11 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.

A Memorial Ceremony in honor of her life well lived will be shared on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM, at the Martin Luther King Center, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Brother Darrell Johnson, will officiate.