Wanda Louise Taylor Johnson

Wanda Louise (Taylor) Johnson, Age 101, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away on October 31, 2025 with her daughter, Karla and granddaughter, Kendra by her side. She no doubt chose her passing date to coincide with her rebirth in Heaven on "All Saints' Day." Wanda was born in Johnson City, TN on January 26th, 1924, to her loving parents Victor and Louise Taylor. She spent her early days in Johnson City surrounded by her grandparents from both sides, her siblings, cousins, and friends. World War II brought a new dynamic that would change her life forever. During the war, Wanda was employed at Holston Ordnance Works (The Manhattan Project) in nearby Oak Ridge, TN and began "corresponding" with 2nd Lieutenant and Decorated Flying Cross recipient, William Carl Johnson. Wanda and Carl were married in 1944 and became parents to nine children. They were married for 60 years, Carl passing in 2004. The family primarily lived in Ridgewood, NJ, Upper Saddle River, NJ and Dunlap, TN. Wanda and Carl retired to Signal Mountain, TN in 1984 to be near their church and the family farm. Wanda is predeceased by her husband Carl, and sons Kenneth, Bryan and Anthony. She is survived by six children, Charlene, Edward, Wayne, Karla, Timothy and Daniel; seventeen grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren.
A devout Catholic, Wanda poured herself into everything the Church stands for. She was a Eucharistic minister and Lector; she sang in the choir, hosted bible study, and attended mass several days each week until she physically could not attend. She lived selflessly and never knew anyone she would not consider a friend, regardless of stature or their non-traditional values. Through the years she was known for writing long letters to distant friends and family. Wanda had a wonderful, witty sense of humor and never took herself too seriously. She was grateful for every single day even during her later years spent bedridden. She loved pepperoni pizza, popcorn, the Hallmark Channel, the Sound of Music, and every human being. She never drank alcohol, coffee, tea or smoked keeping her health and wits to the very end.
Bright, colorful clothing was requested by Wanda for her memorial service which will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2:00 PM EST at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1716 Anderson Pike, Signal Mountain, TN 37377. A reception at the Church will follow, after which Wanda will be laid to rest next to Carl at a private family ceremony at the Lewis Cemetery in Dunlap. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make an extraordinary effort to be kind and loving today and every day.
Ewton Funeral Home & Cremation Center is honored to be in charge of arrangements for Ms. Wanda Louise Johnson and ask that you share your memories and condolences for her family on our website at www.ewtonfuneralhome.com