Frances Lee Johnson

Frances Lee Johnson, age 52, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Wednesday, September 20, 2023. She suffered her entire life from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Frances was born April 9, 1971 in Knoxville.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mary Johnson; half-sister, Vicki Johnson and aunt, Nancy Jarnigan. Survived by aunt, Barbara Reynolds; first cousins, Cheryl Slayden Justus, Wilma Davis, Teri Jarnigan, Eleanor Bodden, Hutch Jarnigan and many second cousins and relatives.

Frances was a member of Second Presbyterian Church where she also worked for several years. She graduated with a BA in Medieval Studies from the University of California, Irvine, where she lived for 30 years.

Upon her return to Knoxville, Frances ran her own freelance business, writing and producing newsletters for various entities. She wrote children’s stories, a personal blog and was an active member of the Knoxville Writers Guild. Frances became a go-to expert on Hebrew roots of Christianity, speaking to Bible study groups about Hebrew feasts, festivals and traditions. She assisted individuals with writing correspondence and communications and produced her own line of greeting cards and calendars.

Frances had a lifelong devotion to God and a love of Scripture. She was well known for her love of family, animals (her beloved cats Oreo Cookie and Missy), nature, flowers and being outdoors. Her fierce determination despite her serious illnesses was known by all, as well as her intelligence, gentleness and compassion.

Frances took all the gifts that she had been given and used everything to the fullest – all with the desire for the glory of God. Despite the great cost of the relinquishments that her declining health eventually demanded, she was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Many thanks to all her close friends and caregivers over the many years.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, September 26th from 5-6pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home with Memorial Service immediately following at 6pm. Rev. Sarah Morgan officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or the Arthritis Foundation of East Tennessee, 6504 Deane Hill Drive, #C, Knoxville, TN 37919. Burial will take place Wednesday, October 11th, meeting at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 at 10:45am for an 11am committal service.

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