Georgia Ann Johnson

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Georgia Ann Johnson, age 79, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center on Monday, October 7, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Born on January 8, 1945, to George and Anna (Mynatt) Major, Georgia grew up in the Gibbs Community. Georgia accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a child while attending Fairview Baptist Church, Corryton, Tennessee. Georgia graduated from Gibbs High School in 1963.In 1964, Georgia met the love of her life, Johnny L. Johnson, on an elevator at C.M. McClung, where they both worked. The two married on April 3, 1965, beginning a lifetime of devoted service to the Lord, one another, their family, and their community. In 1966, a daughter, Kimberly, was born. A son, John, was born soon after in 1967. In 1973, their family was complete upon the birth of their youngest daughter, Elizabeth. 

While raising their young family, Georgia established an example of Christian service in many small churches in the area, culminating in the family’s joining Salem Baptist Church in Halls in 1982, where Georgia was most recently a member of the Esther Sunday School Class. At Salem, Georgia was a steadfast servant in the Acteens Program for over 15 years, touching the lives of many teenage girls and introducing them to mission’s service. She also served as the Acteens Director for the Knox County Association of Baptists during this time. 

In 1990, Georgia and her dear friend, Betty Henry, opened B & G All Occasion Catering where Georgia continued to love and serve others through her culinary skills. Georgia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003, which soon brought an end to her catering career, but did not end her service of others. Georgia continued to share the love of Christ through her participation in local and international ministries. She also became a tireless fundraising organizer for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Most significant, however, is the example of faith and perseverance that Georgia exhibited every day to her eight grandchildren, all but seven of whom only knew her since her MS diagnosis. The way she lived her life after her diagnosis will always be the strongest testimony to her faith and greatest gift to her grandchildren. 

Georgia Ann Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna (Mynatt) Major and her siblings, Ralph Major, Mae Majors, and Katherine (“Keke”) Ward. She is survived by her devoted husband, Johnny L. Johnson; three children, and their spouses, Kim (Mark) Karnes, John (Vanessa) Johnson, and Elizabeth (Vince) Martin; eight grandchildren, Nicole Karnes, Cora Bradley, Bailey Johnson, Sara Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Micah Martin, Judah Martin, and Jack Johnson; many dear nieces and nephews; and special friends, including her lifelong friend, Janice Kivett; and friend and business partner, Betty Henry. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the physicians and nursing staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, 7th Floor and Center for Advanced Medicine. Their loving care of not only Georgia, but also the family, will not be forgotten. 

Receiving of friends will be at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, on October 14, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a Funeral Service to follow, with Reverend Allen James and Reverend Toby Everett officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 12:15 PM, to go in procession to Greenwood Cemetery for a 1:00 PM Graveside Service and Interment. Her nephews and great nephews will carry her to her earthly resting place. Pallbearers include Chad Ricker, Mike Ward, Major Ward, David Ward, Logan Ward and Cameron Ward. Honorary pallbearers are George (“Cotton”) Majors and Travis Majors. 

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord, do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10.