Obituary of Evelyn Elizabeth Johnson

Evelyn Monroe Johnson “Nanny” age 93 of Murfreesboro, TN went to be with the Lord on July 21, 2023. A member of Crossway Baptist Church. Receiving of friends will be held at Trinity Funeral Home, 228 Main Street, Maynardville, TN. 37807 on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 10am – 12pm with a graveside service to follow at Nave Hill Cemetery in Maynardville, TN. Nanny was best known for her cooking, hospitality, and love of a good joke. She loved her family, friends, and the UT Vols. She retired from the University of Tennessee Knoxville after 25 years in the registration office. Her hobbies were making baskets, painting, crocheting afghans, floral arranging, cake decorating, sewing, writing letters, telling stories, and going on mission trips. Fun facts about Nanny; she was the first cheerleader at Maynardville High, wrote her own cookbook, “Do it yourself: My pilot light is out” and was on TV for her famous kraut dumplings. She fully believed “everything is better with Blue Bonnet on it”. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Berlin Johnson; sons, Dr. Tony Long and Danny Long. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Barbara Long of Murfreesboro, TN; 5 grandchildren including twin granddaughters, Mendi and Tim Wrather of Knoxville, TN, and Michelle and Steve Austin of Murfreesboro, TN, Sara Long; Matthew and Ashley Long; Megan Long, all of Orlando, FL., 6 great grandchildren, Emma Kate Wrather, Ava Claire Wrather, Walt Wrather, Ellie Austin, Eli Austin, and Kaia Long. Special mention of these who Nanny considered “family” – All who worked with her at the University of Knoxville from 1965 – 1990, especially the student workers who still came to visit after 50 years, (Nanny’s Kids), Dr. John (Ozone) Burkhart, who organized visits, Rev. Eddie Perry, director of missions for the Northern Baptist Association during her time as VBS Director, Ellaine Powell Long, mother of the twin granddaughters and Rev. Charlie Tindell, pastor who baptized her at Clear Branch Baptist Church. Remembrances may be sent to Crossway Baptist Church, 4194 Shelbyville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN. 37127 to be placed in the “Dr. Tony Long Missions Fund”. Pallbearers: Tim Wrather, Walt Wrather, Steve Austin, Eli Austin, Russell Long, and John R. Monroe, .