Nannie Rella (Saunders) Johnson

Nannie Rella Saunders Johnson was born on May 14, 1931 to James “Beece” Saunders and Susie “Missy” Jeffries Saunders in Milton, North Carolina. She was born with a heart of gold and blessed many lives during her time on earth. 

Nannie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and became a lifelong member of Macedonia A.M.E. Church. She served as an usher, missionary, trustee, Sunday school teacher, and senior choir member. Upon completing her education with Caswell County Training School, she began a life of service to her family, church and community. Nannie was a valued employee of the Dan River Mills in Danville, Virginia until her retirement in 1993.  Nannie joined in holy matrimony to John Alvis Johnson on December 29, 1952. They remained married 56 years until death did them part with the passing of John in 2009. This union created three devoted daughters: Sandra, Lisa and Vickie.

On Friday, November 19, 2021, the Lord called Nannie home and welcomed her as a faithful servant.  She leaves behind many legacies including a love of cooking and taking care of others, a hard work ethic, watching Family Feud, bible study with her sisters, impromptu gospel concerts with her family and friends, her unwavering faith, and her love for the Lord. 

Nannie leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters, Sandra (Theron) Jeffries, Lisa (William) Knight, and Vickie (Bill) Blalock; one son in love, Bernard (Venice) Mitchell; six granddaughters, Courtney, Heather, Erin, Whitney, Lauren and Deandra; four sisters, Susan (James) Earnest, Mamie Allen, Mary Ann Dobson, and Louella Duke; two brothers, Sterling (Rebecca) Saunders, and David (Ann) Saunders; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Saunders, Gaynell Saunders and Dorothy Jeffries; a brother in law, Jack Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, honorary family members, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six siblings: Joseph, Flossie, James, Dorothy, Walter and Lawyer.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.” II Timothy 4: 7-8

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