Odessa Johnson

February 15, 1953 - February 14, 2018

Odessa Forney Johnson, age 64 of 708 Blevins Avenue Elizabethton, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday February 14, 2018 at Johnson City Medical Center. Odessa was born on February 15, 1953 and was preceded in death by her father, James (Chick) Forney and a cousin Joan Avery. Odessa was a lifelong member of Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church where she most notably served as pianist for the Mass Choir, Men's Chorus, Youth Dept., Douglas Community Choir and many soloist. She was formerly employed by St. Mary's Catholic Church of Johnson City as church secretary and was described by many as "always smiling; with a giving heart, which will always be remembered." Those left to cherish her memory in addition to her mother, Mrs. Doris Forney residing at Signature Health Care of Elizabethton, include her husband of 39 years Willie Roy Johnson, her son Desmond Frank Johnson & wife, Sandi, three grandchildren Kaniah, Tyrell, and Kenadi Johnson of the home, Several cousins also survive. Additionally, three "special cousins" Teddy Avery, Gladys (Watson) Gillespie, & Sondra Randal, and a very dear friend Jermaine Wagner also survive. A service to honor & celebrate the life of Odessa Johnson will be conducted on Saturday February 17, 2018 @ Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church located at 200 Horace Leftwich Lane, Eliz. Rev. Ernest E. Widby and Rev. Joseph Holifield officiating. Music provided by Tracy & Linda Haynes, Essence Murray, Greg Wash & Bradlee Ferguson. Family will receive friends @ 11 a.m. followed by funeral service at 12 noon.