Joyce M Johnson

Joyce Johnson, aged 79, passed peacefully in her sleep on November 13, 2024. True to her spirit, Joyce left this world her way—no chemo, no more doctors’ appointments, pain medication abound, and close to her typical 3 am bedtime. In the days leading up to her passing, she made sure to be with her family, sharing all her last thoughts and, naturally, a few choice grievances. Joyce was never one to hold back her thoughts, a trait fully appreciated and occasionally braved by all present as she was surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; the youngest of which at two years old was far too engrossed with the cat toys to be part of the conversation. Joyce’s mantra was “Everyone is entitled to my opinion.”.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Johnnie Mullinix, her son Jim Johnson, and her brother Gary Mullinix. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Johnny Johnson; sons Jeff (Holly), Rob (Tammy), and son-in-law Weylin Dyer; grandchildren Kristin (Scott) Logsdon, Hadrian (Emma) Leech, Julia (Seth) Archambault, and Rebecca Hodge; great-grandchildren Bailey, Madison, Piper, and Lukas Logsdon and Rosalind Archambault; her brothers, Greg (Barbara) Mullinix and Randy Mullinix; and her nephews Scott (Courtney) Mullinix and Bryan (Lauren) Mullinix and their daughter Charlie.

Joyce’s life was as vibrant as it was full. Born as Linda Joyce Johnson in Knoxville and raised in Oak Ridge, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles “Johnny” Johnson. Their love story was one for the ages—marked by playful humor and deep affection. She surprised Johnny on his 40th birthday with a 60-year-old belly dancer performing in front of his coworkers. Johnny, never one to be outdone, returned the favor for Joyce’s 40th birthday by orchestrating a mock funeral procession. He paraded Joyce in a coffin on the back of a flatbed truck, driving through the neighborhood playing funeral dirges over a loudspeaker followed in a procession of cars. These moments of laughter and mischief were a testament to their deep, abiding love and mutual appreciation for each other. Together, they spent 60 joyful years of marriage.

She founded a neighborhood swim league that was larger than the competitive Chattanooga leagues. She also won an amateur comedy contest in Chattanooga and could boast a casino win rate most of the time. She and Johnny spent their weekends on their 70-foot houseboat, the “Tax Shelter”, relaxing with all of their dock friends. Her boat was the backstage of the Rock the Boat concert for 4 years running where she would hold court. The latter part of her life was dedicated to her successful tax preparation business where she loved getting every legal cent back for her clients, who often became lifelong friends.

The friendships Joyce formed throughout her life were deep and enduring. To be her friend meant you were someone she admired—confident, strong, and worthy of her loyalty. Joyce had a unique way of connecting with people. She often greeted new acquaintances with a sharp, sometimes brash comment. Those who laughed and took it in stride earned her affection, while those who were offended quickly faded from her circle. Though unconventional, this approach helped her cultivate a fiercely loyal group of friends who valued her authenticity and unapologetic nature.

Joyce was as well known for her generosity as she was for her love of Christmas, her favorite holiday. She organized and paid for family cruises, trips to Las Vegas, and even a Disney adventure.

It was speculated by many that her biggest regrets before moving on would have been to see Trump take office, the upcoming birth of her sixth great-grandchild, see Tennessee beat Georgia, and one last cigarette – but mostly, one more lifetime with her true love of 62 years, her beloved “sweet thing,” Johnny.

A Celebration of Life Service for Joyce will be Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until service time at North Chapel.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com