Graveside funeral service for Nelma Dean Johnson, age 96, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Riverview Memorial Gardens, with Bro. Jeremy Hudgins officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the service.

Born on March 12, 1929, in Ardmore, TN, Dean was the daughter of the late Marven Berry Ferguson and Ila Lucilla Hopwood Ferguson. She was a 1947 graduate of Blanche High School and a member of Kirkland Baptist Church.

Throughout her life, Dean was known for her many talents. She worked at Serbin, practiced as a skilled hairdresser and beautician, and became well-known in the community for her expertise and sales in Merle Norman Cosmetics. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, whose kindness and unwavering support were deeply felt by her family and friends.

Dean faithfully supported her husband, the late MSGT James Fred Johnson, during his dedicated service with the United States Air Force, accompanying him through many chapters of his military career. She passed away on April 12, 2025, at Donalson Care Center, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda (Ronald) Scott and Gloria (Tim) McPeters; and grandchildren, Patrick Wayne (Caitlyn) Scott, Mark Bembry, Jennifer Bembry, and John (Stephanie) Dickey. In addition to her parents and husband, Dean was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Robinson, and her sisters, Peggy Melton, and Robbie Bauer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kirkland Baptist Church, 655 Ardmore Hwy, Taft, TN 38488.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Nelma Dean Johnson.