Juanita Johnson Brightwell

After a long and full life, Juanita “Nita” Johnson Brightwell has now joined her beloved husband Skip, angel Angela, and toy poodle Susie in heaven— along with the many family members who have preceded her. Born October 19, 1926 in Waynesboro, GA, Nita was blessed to have lived in Signal Mountain for the last 63 years, until passing peacefully on September 28, 2025, just shy of her 99th birthday.

Nita had a deep and abiding love for her family, reading about American and British history and biographies, a passion for genealogy, and enjoying the pleasures of an evening bourbon. She was always happy to pass along her deep knowledge of stock market investment tips and her enjoyment of singing hymns and show tunes to those around her.

Nita graduated from Mercer University as a member of Phi Mu Sorority. She was active in the community: a long-time member of the Signal Mountain Garden Club, the “Nifty Nomads” antiques-study group, the Chattanooga Opera Guild, and Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church as a soloist in the choir.

Her presence will be remembered by surviving sister Mary Nell Perry of Augusta, Ga; daughters Lyn Gardiner and Kim Wise of Marin County, Ca; stepchildren Tom Brightwell and Betsy Brightwell Edwards of Atlanta; grandgirls Kate Gardiner and Jordan Wise Alvarado, greatgrands Maggie and Poppy Dance and Ariel and Diego Alvarado; and all others who knew and loved her.

This is just as her life was impacted by the love of those who passed before her, and whose wisdom she passed along: parents Charles Edward Johnson, Sr. and Clara Meyers Johnson, and siblings Charles Edward Johnson, Jr., William Joseph Johnson, and Mildred Johnson Burroughs, all from Waynesboro.

Special thanks and blessings go to all those who provided her with loving care and support over her last years at Alexian Village Health & Rehabilitation Center: Roxanne Nixon, Crystal Turner, Rachel Austin, Lynne Spain, Hannah Heath, Rhonda Bailey, among many.

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

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