Lisa Jeanne Johnson

Lisa Jeanne Johnson, age 56, suddenly passed from this world and into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ on July 31, 2023, at her home in Knoxville, Tennessee after a brief illness. Her kind and gentle spirit touched and improved the lives of the many people who knew her.

Lisa was born in Pittsburgh, and as a child later lived in Northbrook, Illinois, then Columbus, Ohio, where she graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1985. She attended Indiana University and graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication.

Upon graduation, Lisa moved to New York City, where she worked in marketing at Hurst Publications and later, ABC Television. She lived an exciting and vibrant life in the city with many friends, including Sean Preiss, whom she married in 1995.

The two moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where she gave birth to her sons, Ryan and Nicholas. While in Hartford, Lisa worked at The Arthritis Foundation and the CowParade, which she help launch in New York City.

In 2004, the family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a most devoted mother to her sons, hosting their friends at home, and supporting their many sports activities. The family enjoyed many happy times at their nearby lake house, waterskiing, tubing, and entertaining friends and family. Lisa was a wonderful hostess and always made sure everyone was happy, well-fed, and knew they were welcome.

Lisa worked for TIS Insurance Services in Knoxville where she leaves behind many close co-workers.

Lisa was always known for her consummate athletic abilities. In high school, she played tennis, was a cheerleader, and spent countless hours on the backyard trampoline doing back flips, as well as on the ski slopes on family vacations. Lisa became an avid runner, and even participated in the Big Sur Marathon. In Knoxville, Lisa became involved in a hiking club and a pickleball group. Her love of sports was the conduit to many meaningful friendships.

Lisa was a woman of tremendous Christian faith. She was involved in Young Life as a teenager, and attended various churches throughout her life, including Two Rivers Church in Knoxville, where she also volunteered. She also attended regular Bible studies. The relationships she formed both at her church and in her social groups were deep and meaningful in her life.

But above all, Lisa was a most loving and devoted mother to Ryan and Nick. She cherished her two precious sons, and to know Lisa was to know all about her boys. Lisa enjoyed vacationing, attending concerts, or with them at home. She delighted in the love they gave back to her and valued their close relationship more than anything else in her life.

Lisa is predeceased by her mother, Nancy Lee Wacker Johnson, who passed away in May 2023. She is also predeceased by her father, Alan Johnson, who passed away in 2018, grandparents Norbert and Phyllis Wacker of Middletown, Ohio, and grandparents Twila and Merle Johnson of Delaware, Ohio. Lisa is survived by her sons Ryan Preiss and Nick Preiss, sisters Patricia Baker and Lorie Skidmore, beloved nieces and nephews Amanda (Kevin) Mulroony, Lindsey (Mark) Krugman, Chelsea (Matt) Cremean, Ashley (Danny) Vitale, and Alexander (Meghan) Skidmore. She is also survived by step-mother Karen Johnson, three cherished great-nieces, as well as several loving cousins, aunts and uncles. Lisa also leaves behind deeply grieving treasured friends, whom she considered like family.

Lisa loved to laugh, loved music, had an upbeat attitude, was very organized, was a natural leader and was a source of great love and support. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

There will be a celebration of Lisa's life in Knoxville, Tennessee in September. Details are forthcoming and can be found at www.clickfuneralhome.com