Lorraine T. Johnson

NASHVILLE – Lorraine Tankersley Johnson, age 88, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 9, 2023. She was born October 11, 1934, in Corinth, MS. She was predeceased by her husband, James “Jim” Leo Johnson, her parents, William Dexter Tankersley and Grace Coleman Tankersley and her brother, Dexter Coleman Tankersley. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Catherine Johnson Breland (Ed), Nancy Johnson Worley (Jim), James Leo Johnson, Jr. (Leslie), Stephen Thomas Johnson (Heather), grandchildren Christopher Chase Breland (Kathleen), Catherine “Cacky” Elizabeth Breland, Coleman DeGeorge Breland (Katherine), Elizabeth Worley Wicks (Shelton), Caroline Grace Worley, Colin Thomas Johnson, Josephine Grace Johnson, Stephen Thomas Johnson, Jr. and Samuel James Johnson, great grandchildren, Sally Catherine Breland and Coleman Raines Breland, her sister Jane Tankersley Roberts, along with a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Lorraine treasured and devoted her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as Memaw and Mimi. Her home was always open to family and friends. She enjoyed entertaining, playing bridge, traveling, the family lake house, Sunday night dinners with her family, and an evening stroll around the neighborhood.

As a young child, Lorraine’s parents moved their family to Jackson, TN where she grew up. While working as a dental hygienist, Lorraine met a patient who became the love of her life, her husband, Jim Johnson. Throughout their 57 years of marriage, Lorraine accompanied Jim as he moved up the corporate ladder and they actively participated in charitable and civic organizations while raising four children. Their life together was busy and full of fun and family.

Lorraine was a member of the Centennial Club, Belle Meade Country Club, Suburbia Garden Club and supported her husband with his love for helping others at the Room In The Inn.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to her caregivers, Sheila Murray, Wudnesh “Wede” Digafe, Berhane Gashawe, Carol Doyle, Tesfa “LT” Letenugus, Eligayhu “Gigi” Worku, Gertrude “Vice” Glate, Ingrid Wright, Sunait Edo, Hana Hailu, and Freweyni Sebehatu who cared for and comforted Lorraine over the past few years, along with the recent support of Alive Hospice.

A private graveside service will be held August 29, 2023 at 1PM, at Calvary Cemetery, 1001 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210. Following the service, a celebration of life reception will be held at Belle Meade Country Club from 3 PM until 5 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Room In The Inn, 705 Drexel Street, #2, Nashville, TN 37203, or the charity of your choice.

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