Otolaryngology admin remembered for her loyalty, contributions

Clotheal H. Johnson, administrative coordinator to the director and residency program coordinator in the Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, died Feb. 16.

Johnson joined MUSC in 1979 providing administrative support for the Department of Environmental Services (later Business Services). She left MUSC in 1988 and returned in 1992 joining the Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery as the medical residency coordinator and served as executive assistant to the chairman. She was later named the department’s residency program administrator.

On Oct.  20, 2017, Johnson was among employees who were recognized at the annual MUSC Employee Service Awards event. Johnson was presented with a pin and framed MUSC lithograph recognizing her 30 years at the institution.

For the past 19 years, she worked with professor and Department of Otolaryngology Chairman Paul R. Lambert, M.D. Lambert credits Johnson for being integral to the growth of the department these past 25 years. From organizing resident activities and recruitment efforts to securing approvals for the dean’s office to coordinating faculty contracts, Johnson was masterful in organization, planning and execution, according to Lambert.

“Clo was exceptional in so many ways. She loved MUSC and her many friends here. She wore many administrative hats within the department and took great pride in performing all those duties to near perfection. Simply put, Clo was a shining fixture within our department and in many ways the matriarch of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery.  All of us will miss her and her warm smile,” said Lambert.

Otolaryngology Facial, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery associate professor Krishna G. Patel, M.D., Ph.D., remembers when he first met Johnson about 10 years ago. She credits her for helping her and so many other new employees get settled as a new attending physician in the department in 2008.

“Clo always had a smile on her face, and she always helped me with my needs, especially with squeezing me into Dr. Lamberts busy schedule,” said Patel. “She had a love for our department that was so evident and uplifted the entire psyche of our team. Clo was an establishment within our department. I will miss her beautiful smile, her seriously first-class outfits at our department Christmas parties and graduations, and the wonderful energy that she brought to work every day. Clo’s kindness that she showed me will always be remembered and I will miss her incredibly.”

A native Charlestonian, Johnson graduated in 1977 from Burke High School and attended the College of Charleston. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Charleston where she served on the missionary auxiliary and sang in the church’s choir. Previously, she attended Joshua United Methodist Church in Moncks Corner.

She is survived by her son Korie Johnson and several grandchildren; mother, Roselyn Pyatt June; six brothers and sisters and other family.

Remembrances
Clo Johnson was such a huge presence in our department, and for so many years, that I am not sure if we can ever adequately fill her shoes. Speaking of shoes — she had the most amazing wardrobe because she also worked at Belk on the weekends. Clo was hardworking, family loving, dedicated to her church, fun and so full of ‘sass and class.’ She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed here at MUSC.
Jayne Gillespie, Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery

Clo will be remembered as the calm, pleasant face of the Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery family for decades. She has been an inspiration to so many.
Terry A. Day, M.D., Wendy and Keith Wellin Endowed Chair for Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology— Head and Neck Surgery

Clo, your presence will be missed. Take your rest.
Lisa Nelson, Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery

Clo was a great inspiration who will be greatly missed.
Mark Bouknight, Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery

Clo was involved in so many areas that touched so many — resident interviews, new hires, VA credentialing, to name a few, and knew who to contact for each scenario. We now have a huge gap that won’t be easy to fill.
Jane Beaudrot, Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery

Clo, I know you are my guardian angel as I walk this earthly way. You won’t be here for me to see, but you’ll walk with me each day. You have left me with some good memories to hold and think about. Please know that I do understand “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” but somehow I’m deeply saddened, but your love and the love of God assures me that in due time I’ll be OK. Know that our friendship will always remain the same forever in my heart. Clo, take your rest. I love you, but God loves you best. Goodnight!
Vanessa Stewart, ART Guest Services

She was good at what she did, and had a way with people.
Pamela Teachey, Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery

Clo was a force of one, but very much the team player — team leader in many cases. Her fun-loving presence will be missed, but her bigger than life spirit remains.
Alison Padlan-Gillette, Otolaryngology —Head and Neck Surgery

Clotheal was here when I joined the department 20 years ago.  Right away it was easy to see she was extremely organized, hard-working, dedicated (not to mention very fashionable) and could handle multiple tasks with ease and grace. I never saw anyone accomplish so much and  keep an immaculate desk. Over the years, I grew to know her as a warm, family-oriented, fiercely loyal, woman of faith and integrity with a large heart for others. Clo will be greatly missed professionally and personally.
Anita Cheslek, Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery