Tommy Lee Johnson

Tommy Lee Johnson passed away on September 5, 2023. He was laid to rest at Fairmount Memorial Park in Spokane, Washington on September 29, 2023 on what would have been his 71st birthday. He was born on September 29, 1952 in Arkansas to Memphis Johnson, Jr. and Clara Mae Smith. The small family moved to Spokane, Washington in 1953. Tommy’s parents had more children and Tommy became the oldest of brother to three sisters: Lynette Johnson, Sheila Johnson Lee, and Janette Johnson Hogan. During this time, his mother, Clara, was a housecleaner and his father, Memphis, was a foreman. The Johnson family was active in the local church community.

By the late 1960’s, Tommy’s parents had divorced. Tommy’s mother, Clara, moved to Sacramento, CA with all four of her children. Tommy and Lynette decided to return to Spokane. Sheila and Janette remained in California. During those years, Tommy’s mother had another daughter named Yvonne Davis Jefferson. Tommy’s father had another son, Jon Michael Johnson, and was a father figure to Joseph Van Riper, who was Jon Michael Johnson’s brother.

Tommy worked as a nursing home attendant for many years at a few nursing homes, including Southcrest Nursing Home. He retired early due to his health issues. Tommy was briefly married and was the proud father to two daughters, Nicole and Kaitlyn. Tommy lived next door to his Dad for many years. He lived on the same street he grew up on until his last days.

He is survived by his daughter, Kaitlyn Johnson; his sisters, Yvonne Davis Jefferson, Lynette Johnson, Sheila Johnson Lee, and Janette Johnson Hogan; his brother, Joseph Van Riper; and his nieces, Felisha Jefferson, Alaina Martin, Christina Hogan, and Andrea Hogan. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nicole Johnson; his nephews, Julian Lee and Marquis Johnson; his brother, Jon Michael Johnson; and his parents, Clara Smith Davis and Memphis Johnson, Jr.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageSouthHill.com for the Johnson family.