Nelle Massey Johnson passed into God's Heavenly Kingdom on September 12, 2014, at the age of 93. She was born on April 30, 1921 and spent her childhood and early adult life in Hernando, MS. While there she met and married her husband, Theo Earnest Johnson, who predeceased her in 2003. They moved to Greenwood, MS in 1953 and decided to raise their family here.
Nelle's life was defined by her faith and she strived to live every day in accordance with The Golden Rule. She had a positive impact on practically everyone with whom she came in contact and became a role model for many. Her sweet and loving disposition was complemented with a quiet strength and resolve that allowed her to accomplish much during her time on earth.
She served as Secretary for St. John's United Methodist Church and as a Receptionist/Bookkeeper for Greenwood Animal Hospital amongst her jobs. She also participated in a number of local civic and professional organizations. However, the job that she was most proud of and most committed was being a wonderful wife and mother.
Nelle is survived by her two sons, Rodger Lee Johnson of Atlanta, GA and his wife, Jill, and Dr. Earnest Andrew Johnson of Greenwood, MS and his wife, Charlene. She is also survived by six grandchildren who affectionately called her "Granny." They are Kelly Hodgdon of Atlanta, GA and her husband, Chris; Courtney Deitz of Atlanta, GA and her husband, Brian; Lee Ann Hammons of Brandon, MS and her husband, Kevin; Joseph Johnson of Jackson, MS and his wife, Emily; Heather Wilkey of Greenwood, MS and her husband, Austin; and Meredith Purvis of Hermanville, MS and her husband, Wesley. As the years rolled by, "Granny" was blessed with twelve great grandchildren—Emma and Olivia Hodgdon; Campbell, Cooper, Carson, and Caroline Deitz; Ann Cole and Harper Hammons; Lily and Nash Johnson; and Mere Austin and Anderson Wilkey.
A visitation and reception celebrating the life of Nelle Johnson will be held at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home, 910 Highway 82 West, Greenwood, MS, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday evening, September 14, 2014. Funeral services will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1001 Grand Blvd., Greenwood, MS at 10:00 am on Monday, September 15, 2014. Honorary pall bearers will be Edward, Turner, Frank Thompson, Bob Thompson, Mike Thompson, and Bill Massey, nephews of the deceased. Following the service burial will be at Baker's Chapel UMC Cemetary, 1965 Johnston Road, Hernando, MS.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Nelle Johnson Faith Scholarship Fund, c/o St. John's United Methodist Church, 1001 Grand Blvd., Greenwood, MS 38930.