Emily J Johnson's Obituary
Emily Frances Jordan Johnson was born in Memphis, TN on January 23, 1947 and departed this earthly life to be with the Lord on July 1, 2021.
She leaves behind her beloved husband of nearly 39 years, Richard Johnson, and her loving daughter Melissa Chambers. She was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family had no doubt of her love, and she cherished her time with them.
Emily earned her master’s degree from Memphis State University and spent most of her career teaching in the Old Shelby County School system. She taught special education students at Bartlett Elementary School for 12 years. She married her husband, Richard, in 1982 and moved to Collierville. There she taught first grade at Collierville Elementary School and transferred to Tara Oaks Elementary School when it opened. She impacted the lives of hundreds of students and their families. She was loved by her fellow teachers, school administrators, students and parents. As word spread of her passing, many shared stories with the family of her special bonds with their kids and the forever lasting impression she left on so many. It is a special thing to be the one who taught a child to read.
She was active in many school and community activities including Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Community Bible Study, Meals on Wheels, the Collierville Food Pantry, and the knitting mission program at the Collierville United Methodist Church. She also served on the Board of the Shelby County Education Association.
She was a faithful and active member of Grace Evangelical Church in Germantown, TN for many years. She loved fellowship with her friends from Sunday School classes at every church she attended.
In 2015 she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approached her treatment bravely and maintained a positive attitude throughout her illness. She trusted in the Lord and wanted to keep fighting up to her last day.
Once you were her friend, it was for life. Emily was sincere, kind, and funny. No one could tell a story like her. She was always surprised at how much people wanted to do for her as she fought her cancer, but it was because she had done so much for others. She had a servant’s heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kosten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or the Brinkley Heights Urban Academy.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
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