Elizabeth was born in Knoxville on August 13, 1927. While attending the University of Tennessee, she was deeply involved in the student outreach ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Through this, she met the love of her life, Joe Breese Johnson. They married in December, 1949. After Joe’s medical training, service in the Navy, and five years of Radiology in Johnson City, Joe and Elizabeth returned to Knoxville in 1963 with their young children and remained here the rest of her lives.
Elizabeth is remembered for her love for her Lord Jesus, which was manifested in her radiant smile and joyful spirit. With her gift of hospitality, she served the Lord with gladness. Their home was always open for family and for the Lord's people, both local and from around the world. Elizabeth's desire to serve the Lord and to make Him known worked out practically in teaching Sunday School and Bible Study Fellowship, hosting and teaching Good News Club, and through various ministries through Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Joe Breese Johnson. She is survived by her sister Helen Lyle, son Joe Breese Johnson, Jr. and wife Kathryn, son Carter Johnson and wife Gale, daughter Beth Lown and husband Joel, daughter Margaret Sterr and husband Phil, son Peter Johnson and wife Reita, and 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. We express profound thanks to all who loved and appreciated our mother and rejoice with you in witnessing God’s faithfulness to her to the end.
A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church at 3pm on Saturday, August 21. The family will greet friends at 2pm. Reverend Clay Harrington will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Global Mission Fund, 9132 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923 or E.I. School of Biblical Training, 700 N. Parker Rd., Greenville, SC 29609.
