Virginia Lee Benton Johnson

Virginia Lee Benton Johnson, lovingly known as Mamaw or Momma Jenny, passed away on February 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Chapel of Nave Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Roper and Bro. Gary Jared officiating. Burial will follow in Lewis Cemetery.

Family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again from 12:00 p.m. until the hour of service Tuesday afternoon.

Virginia was born on January 6, 1940, in Scott County, Virginia, daughter to the late Georgia Neomi Frazier and William Leland Benton. She grew up alongside her siblings Deliah “Toots” (Fred) Dishner, Colleen (Keith) Grimm, Willie (Karen) Benton Jr., and Dale (Linda) Benton.

On June 8, 1956, she married the love of her life, Albert Ray Johnson. Together they built a home rooted in love, generosity, and family—a place where everyone was welcome and no one was ever turned away.

During their time in the Navy, Ray and Jenny were stationed in locations including Puerto Rico, Cyprus, and the Bahamas. After settling in Tennessee, they opened Johnson’s Family Restaurant and The Coffee Cup, eventually introducing the first pizzas and mini burgers to Houston County. They were also passionate supporters of Dixie Youth Baseball, dedicating their time and resources to the local youth sports community.

Mamaw was the heart of her family. She helped raise her grandchildren, opening her home and her arms without hesitation. Her house was a constant—a place of comfort, safety, laughter, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Georgia Neomi Frazier and William Leland Benton; her husband, Albert Ray Johnson; her daughter Kim Fansler, and son-in-law Ronnie Fansler; her daughter, Terri Lyle; her son, Rickie Allen Johnson; her grandson, Tyler Lyle; her great-granddaughter, Morgan Rose Lyle; and her brother, Willie Benton Jr.

Survivors include her loving daughter, Robyn (Bill) Giffin; son in law, Fred Lyle; grandchildren, Randy (Amanda Clark) Fansler, Adam (Amanda Barker) Fansler, Rebecca (Tuck) Tucker, Bronson Lyle and Tina McClurken, Jarrod (Ginger) Lyle, Cameron (Kacey Gant) Lyle; great-grandchildren, Max Elizabeth Fansler, Alex Fansler, Caelin Tucker, Savannah (Justin) Cathey, Alexandra (Will) McCraw, Caeley Lyle, Colin Lyle, Grady Lyle, Camdyn Lyle, Carter Lyle, Charley Lyle; great great-grandchildren, Madelyn Cathey, and Morgan Cathey.

Also, we can't forget "The Judy's". Judy Mitchell and Judy Clariday were lifelong friends who we consider family as well.

Virginia will be remembered for her kindness, her selflessness, and the love she poured into her family every day of her life. Through her patience, gentleness, and unwavering care, Mamaw made our world a softer place to be.

Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Fansler, Adam Fansler, Jarrod Lyle, Cameron Lyle, Alex Fansler, Colin Lyle, Tuck Tucker; honorary pallbearers will be Grady Lyle, and Carter Lyle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN, 37214-0800, and or Bethesda Community Mission PO Box 342 Erin, TN, 37061.

Arrangements are in the care of Nave Funeral Home, (931) 289-4277, NaveFuneralHomes.com.