Minnie Catherine Asberry

Minnie Catherine Asberry, known affectionately as Minnie, Nanny or Nanny Granny to her friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in her hometown of Cleveland, TN, after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. Born to the late Lenora and Roscoe Johnson, Sr on July 13th 1944, she was raised in the same close-knit community. Minnie's life was a testament to her resilience, kindness, and the joy she found in the simple pleasures of life.
Minnie's educational journey began at College Hill High School, where she blossomed into a bright and engaged student, and later she furthered her education in Morristown, TN. Her love for learning and personal growth was a constant throughout her life, and it empowered her in all her endeavors.
As a military wife supporting her spouses through assignments in both the Army and the Navy, Minnie's strength and adaptability were the cornerstones of her family's well-being. She embraced the challenges of military life with grace and unwavering support, providing a loving and stable home no matter where duty called.
Minnie's talents were many, but she was particularly renowned for her exceptional skills as a seamstress. For over two decades, she crafted garments and items of such quality and beauty that they could easily have been featured in the finest stores. Her hands were rarely still, always busy creating or tending to the vibrant flower beds that were her pride and joy.
Her involvement with Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and Unity Christian Ministry in Cleveland, TN was marked by dedication and service in various capacities. She was also first lady of Harris Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Chattanooga, TN. Minnie's faith was a guiding light in her life, and she found great fulfillment in her church community, contributing her time and talents without hesitation.
Minnie's greatest delight was found in the company of her family. She cherished the moments spent with them, whether in the quiet of her garden or the warmth of her kitchen. Her love of crafts was not just a hobby, but a means of bringing beauty into the lives of those she cared for, and her creations will be treasured reminders of her spirit and ingenuity.
One of Minnie's favorite quotes, often shared with those around her, was from the esteemed poet Maya Angelou: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the essence of Minnie's life; she made everyone around her feel loved, valued, and important.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Yvonne Jarrett; sons, Demetrius Jarrett, Sr. (Annette) and Richard Jarrett (Alicia) all of Cleveland, TN; grandchildren, Shaquonne Jarrett, Demetrius Jarrett Jr., Marcus Jarrett (Sharae), Kymani Jarrett, Zionjah Jarrett all of Cleveland TN and Danelle Jarrett of Orlando FL; sister, Shirley Hickey of Atlanta GA; stepchildren, Lyrial and Wendell Asberry of Chattanooga, TN; step grandchildren Tomeka Asberry, Tosha Asberry, Wendell Asberry, Jr., Kenneth James and Makuba Jarrett of Chattanooga, TN; nine great-grandchildren, a host of special nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lenora and Roscoe Johnson, Sr.; husbands Rev. Nolan Asberry and Gilbert Jarrett; brothers William David Johnson, Franklin Johnson and Command Sergeant Major Roscoe Johnson, Jr.; sisters, Ruby Blair and Nancy Pugh; neice, Quanda Ross and nephew, Terry Pugh; stepsons, Kenneth Asberry, Sr. and Ronald Asberry.
Minnie's legacy is one of love, creativity, and community. As we remember her, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy, a life that touched so many others in profound and lasting ways. Her memory will continue to bloom like the flowers she so tenderly cared for, a reminder of the beauty and resilience that defined her.
Minnie Catherine Asberry will be deeply missed, but the light of her spirit will remain an enduring presence in the hearts of all who knew her.
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