Thelma Dee Johns

Thelma Dee Johns, a beloved resident of the Prices Mill Community in Simpson Co. KY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at the age of 93 at the Medical Center in Franklin, KY. Born on October 25th, 1932, in Simpson County, Kentucky, Thelma lived a life full of love, devotion, and service to her family and community.

A dedicated homemaker, Thelma was self-employed, pouring her heart into creating a warm and nurturing home for her family. Her passion for community service was evident through her active involvement in various organizations, including the Red Hat Sweeties, Homemakers Club, and Relay for Life. She was a cherished member of her church, Providence Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and loved attending functions at the Byrum Porter Senior Center in Orlinda, TN. Thelma was also a proud supporter of the National Tractor Pullers Association.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William Lester "Billy" Johns; her parents, William Henry “Bill" Gregory and Hauty Mae (Lawrence) Gregory; and six siblings, Ray Gregory, Mary Elizabeth Grace, Helen Aton, William “Bob” Gregory, and Patsy Andrews.

Thelma is survived by her three devoted children, Judy Cothern of Franklin, KY, Linda Perdue of Franklin, KY, and Jim Bill Johns (Connie) of Franklin, KY. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her five grandchildren, Cathy Cothern, Leslie Alford, Jamie Cummings, Brock Perdue, and Haley Stagner; twelve great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Brenda Perdue (Freddy), and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Gilbert Funeral Home in Franklin, KY, on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm. A funeral service to celebrate Thelma's life will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at 1:00 pm with interment to follow in Prices Mill Cemetery in Simpson County, KY. The pallbearers honoring her will be Brock Perdue, Chris Alford, Brad Cummings, Nathan Stagner, Brandon Kinnaird, Adam Alford, Cash Bowles, and Brody Bowles. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Richland Place Senior Living in Portland, TN, the staff at the Medical Center in Franklin, KY and to her special friend, Sherry Davis.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky, 5872 Scottsville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42104, Providence Baptist Church, 7536 Springfield Rd., Franklin, KY 42134 or Relay For Life, c/o Marie Pitts, 1006 Seng Ave. Franklin, KY, causes that were close to Thelma's heart.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. For more information, please visit their website at www.gilbertfhonline.com or their Facebook page, Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. You may also call the obituary phone line at 270-586-8844.

Thelma Dee Johns will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her dedication to her family, and her generous spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.