Doris Lee Johnson, a beacon of loving tenderness and unwavering faith, departed from this world on January 7, 2024, at the age of 97. Born on October 30, 1926, in Columbia, Tenn., she was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, and mother whose warmth and kindness enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Doris grew up in the rolling hills of Tennessee, where she was imbued with the values of family, faith, and hospitality. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, where she nurtured her spiritual life and formed lasting friendships. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her daily actions and the gentle way she treated everyone she met.
Throughout her life, Doris embraced the role of homemaker with grace and passion.
Doris was the heart of her family, always ensuring that her loved ones were cared for with thoughtful consideration. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be carried forward by her daughter, Deborah Johnson of Unionville, Tenn., who will miss her mother’s gentle guidance and unwavering support. Her brother, Andrew Thomas Johnson Jr. of Shelbyville, Tenn., and her sister, Virginia Evelyn Clement of Nashville, Tenn., will fondly remember their sister’s infectious laughter and the precious moments they shared.
Preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Franklin Jones and Lillie Jane Eskew; her beloved husband, Andrew Thomas Johnson Sr., who passed in 2004; and her brother Bobby Allen Jones. Doris now joins them in eternal rest. Her memory will serve as a guiding star for those she has left behind.
Those who had the honor of knowing Doris will remember her as a loving individual whose faith-filled heart was a source of comfort and strength. Her thoughtful nature was evident in every act of kindness she bestowed upon her friends and family. She had a rare ability to make each person feel valued and loved, a trait that will be deeply missed by all.
As they bid farewell to Doris Lee Johnson, her family and friends celebrate a life beautifully lived and a soul that made an indelible impact on the world. Her spirit, characterized by love, faith, and thoughtfulness, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have felt the warmth of her presence. Though she may have left their sight, the memories she created and the love she shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
In honor of Doris’s remarkable journey through life, her family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and tears, cherishing the moments that each treasured with her. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of the preciousness of each day and the importance of expressing love and kindness, just as Doris did so naturally.
Doris Lee Johnson will be laid to rest in Cothran Ceremony, 882 Kingdom Rd. in Unionville, surrounded by the beautiful Tennessee landscape she so adored. Her spirit, as enduring as the soil from which her beloved flowers grew, will continue to flourish in the lives of those she touched. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy of love will forever bloom.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Gowen-Smith Chapel, 850 Union Street in Shelbyville. Service will follow at 1 p.m.
