Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Donzell Johnson Obituary
Nashville, TN
Retired Metro educator who retired from the classroom but never from teaching. He spent thirty-six years educating minds and inspiring hearts.
Don transitioned peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on October 1, 2014.
Cherishing precious memories of him are: a loving and devoted wife, Mary Jones Johnson; five children, Renita (Donnie) Ridley, Mimi (John) Thomas, Ken Jones, Michelle (Mackey) Long, Esq., and Ralph (Chante') Johnson; six siblings, Osby (Lousie) Johnson, Eunice Brooks, Wilma Pitre, Minister Dale (Mickey) Johnson, Roland (Rosetta) Johnson and Heloyce Kinnermon; eleven grandchildren, Sean Ridley, Tyler Ridley, Angelica Johnson, John Thomas, Jr., Mackey (Trey) Long III, Carolyn Johnson, Carolyn Thomas, Joy Johnson, Madison Long, Christine Thomas, and Victoria Johnson; and a number of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former students.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, October, 9, 2014, at 7 p.m. from Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 5891 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN. Open viewing will be at the church beginning on Thursday from 2 until 5 p.m. Public visitation with the family will begin on Thursday beginning at 5 p.m. until service time.
Family and friends will assemble at the Middlle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Pegram, TN, on Friday, October 10, 2014, at 11 a.m. for committal services and Military Honors.
Services under the direction of the Taylor Funeral Home, Dickson, TN, 446-2808. TaylorSince1909.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donzell Johnson
Marguerite Wilson
October 1, 2019
To the entire Johnson Family, I cannot believe it has been five years since Mr. Johnson went to his Heavenly Home. I was just talking about him last week with another Church member. He was truly a Man of God. We will never forget what A faithful Man Mr. Johnson was to his Church and his Church Family.
Patrick Hargrett
September 26, 2017
Rip
December 18, 2014
While preparing for my class reunion 40th class reunion at Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, LA, I began to reminisce about others who walked the halls of BTW. My mind went immediately to Mr. Johnson who was my mother's classmate (she passed in 2005). When we were growing up and he was in Shreveport, he would stop by to say hello to us. I remember his being able to "jump" our fence, with a suit and tie on (LOL). I have remembered him fondly over the years as being a wonderful and kind gentleman whose example was worthy of emulating. As I read his obituary, I see that indeed he was the man I thought. It is with a degree of sadness that I pen this message, but great joy to know that he was indeed a "mighty oak" whose example will live on for generations to come. It is my prayer that I as a high school teacher can live up to his example. May God's arms of love surround each of you as you adjust to his passing. Be Blessed
Barbara Wills
October 11, 2014
Loved working with Donzell Johnson. He was one of the most cooperative teachers with whom I ever worked. He truly cared about all of his students and worked hard to be a fantastic role model and educator. He will be missed by many, but will surely enjoy as he did this life his new Heavenly home. May he rest in peace. My husband and I send my condolences to his lovely family.
Emma Hudson
October 9, 2014
To the Family of Mr. Donzell Johnson. Mr. Johnson was so loved and so knowledeable. He was such a great educator and knew how to have fun also. He and Mr.Rucke( who was my teacher) would have get togethers with both classes ( class of 68) and have luncheons together. We would still have question and answer period. So much fun and we loved it that we still had school. I will miss you Mr. Johnson and how you would say Miss Hudson. I am glad GOD put us in each other's path.
Grafton Whitlow - PHS '69
October 9, 2014
To The Johnson Family,
My you find comfort in
knowing that your loved
one is resting in the
arms of Jesus.
How I enjoyed being one
of his students at Pearl.
Later in life, on a cool
Monday morning, when Fisk
stilled had commencement
on campus. There stood
Mr. D. Johnson and
Mr. O. Rucker.
Shermear Claybrooks
October 8, 2014
He made me feel proud of my Black heritage though I understood little. He encouraged us in his Afto-American history class to learn through education and walk with pride.
I'm saddened by his loss but so many gained so much from him. I'm thankful to him for his care towards his students.
You all are in my prayers, peace and comfort to you all.
Class of 90! Hunters Lane High School
Marguerite Wilson
October 8, 2014
To the entire Johnson Family, my thoughts and Prayers are with you. Brother Johnson was a Wonderful Humble Caring and Giving Man Of God!!! He had such a Sweet Spirit. To know Brother Johnson was to Love Him. I am going to miss him. you are not alone for we share your sorrow also. LOVE YOU!!!
Kristie Wilkins-Hutchinson
October 8, 2014
I will miss Donzell's warm and gracious spirit! I recall times calling the house as a teenager looking for Mimi and forgetting to ask for her because he and I would engage on the phone for long periods of time. I cannot recall the topics right now, but I can remember his genuine interest in me. Donzell was like a Dad to me as well and I will miss him!
Kristie Wilkins-Hutchinson
October 8, 2014
I will miss Donzell's warm and gracious spirit! I recall times calling the house as a teenager looking for Mimi and forgetting to ask for her because he and I would engage on the phone for long periods of time. I cannot recall the topics right now, but I can remember his genuine interest in me. Donzell was like a Dad to me as well and I will miss him!
Denise Satterfield-Wilson
October 8, 2014
I am thinking warm, fuzzy thoughts of my favorite teacher, Mr. Donzell Johnson at Pearl High School 1964-66.Several years later I shared my poetry @ Hunter's Lane only to learn Mr. Johnson asked to introduce me to the students, that's when our paths crossed again. He was such an inspiration to me in high school; one of those special people destined to teach. I am sorry to hear of his passing yet happy his suffering has ended. I have no doubt he is now enjoying sweet peace resting in the arms of Jesus. I am praying that each family member can find peace & reach a point where only sweet memories remain.
Larry Pillow and Family
October 8, 2014
To The Johnson Family,
Our loss here on earth, is the lord's gain in heaven. your family have our deepest sympathy
Anita Burwell-Kennedy
October 8, 2014
To the Johnson Family
It is said that when you cry, you cry alone but that isn't true. the sadness you are feeling is felt by loved ones and friends around you. May you find comfort in knowing that you're not alone. I will always remember Mr. Johnson for his warm and kind words that he always shared in the halls of Hunters Lane High School
Cathy Proctor
October 8, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss of Mr.Johnson. He owns land next to us in Joelton and we really enjoyed talking with him when he came up to walk the property. May he rest in peace John and Cathy Proctor
Robin Jackman Jenkins
October 8, 2014
To GOD BE THE GLORY,To the entire Johnson family,my condolences. come my family to your family,Mr Donzell Johnson will be truly missed. Robin Jackman Jenkins, Nashville,Tennessee
Celinda Hughes
October 7, 2014
God's peace be with each of you. Bro. Donzell was a silent warrior, who loved God and his church, served faithfully and modeled the love of the Lord. Servant Leader Celinda J. Hughes, John Wesley UMC
Rev. Dorothy C. Cobbett, Pastor, Elder's Chapel UMC
October 7, 2014
The Cobbett family-Edward,Dorothy, Valerie, Erica, Ethel Marie, & Dustin- are indebted to Donzell Johnson for his kindness shown to our family since joining John Wesley United Methodist Church in 1977. We will miss his friendship and spiritual counsel. We are in sympathy with Mary Johnson and Donzell's entire family. Look to God during this your time of bereavement. May the Lord be with you and bring you peace during this time of sorrow.
October 7, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Bean Family
October 7, 2014
Join us in prayer for the family of our dearly beloved Donzell Johnson- faithful servant, committed disciple, devoted teacher, dedicated leader and supportive friend. His memory will be cherished and his work will live on through the lives of many others. All our love, the Reverend Daniel M. Hayes, Sr., Senior Pastor/Teacher, First Lady Mrs. Janice A. Hayes and the entire John Wesley UMC church family.
Marie King
October 7, 2014
Condolences are extended to the Johnson family. I will truly miss Donzell Johnson's descriptive stories and anecdotes that always made me laugh as well as imparted wisdom. To our dear family-friends, the Johnson's, hold to God's unchanging Hand.
I am, we are, thankful and blessed for your friendship.
Rev. Marie C. King
Hazel Rucker
October 7, 2014
To the Johnson Family, with Love, HC(Hazel Carol)
October 7, 2014
You are in my prayers.
Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Hancock
October 7, 2014
To Mrs. Mary Johnson and the entire Johnson Family and friends;
The Gospel according to Saint John, 9:4 tells us, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." Your husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, has clock out of this earthly labor of love for the Lord. Now he has gone from labor to reward of eternal life in that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. A man of great character and joy of teaching not only in the classroom. But teaching life skills as well. He will be truly missed by all. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Saint John, 14:1-3, words of comfort for those of us who believe in our Father, and our Lord and Savior. May the Lord God hold you close to His bossom fold, and comfort and keep you in your time of sorrow, grief and forever more. God bless you real good!!!
Min. Delores Brown-Grady
October 7, 2014
To the Johnson Family, just know that my heart is indeed empathetic with yours, we have truly substained a great loss, but our loss is Heaven's gain. Father God, thank you for the life and legacy of someone that was so dear too me. He was my educator, my friend, and last but not least my "Spiritual God Father." Rest-in-Peace Mr. Johnson
Delores (Lois) Brown-Grady
October 7, 2014
My condolences are with the Johnson Family. We have truly substained a great loss, but our loss is truly Heaven's gain. Mr. Johnson you truly impacted my life in way's that only our Lord & Savior would understand. I truly thank God for placing you in my life as my educator, but most importantly as a Father figure for me. I will truly miss you, Rest-in-Peace Min. Delores Brown-Grady
peggie mitchell
October 6, 2014
To the entie Johnson family. Saddened deeply when I heard of the passing of our dear loved one. Words cannot express to you how I feel. Always looked up and respected the man I so lovingly called "Dr. Johnson". He will be truly missed by so many. Remember always that GOD is....HE will never leave you or forsake you. Keep your hand in the MASTERS Hands and HE. will comfort you. Everytime I look at my bible which was my mamas I will think of all those "WS" World Series scripture he taught that are marked. May GOD bless you and keep you during this time and going forward. Much love and my deepest sympathy. Candy Mitchell
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Donzell Johnson's name
Memorial Events
for Donzell Johnson
How to support Donzell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donzell Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
