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Laura Jane Smalley Johnson

The funeral for Laura Jane Smalley Johnson will be Noon on Saturday, November 4, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Ms. Johnson, 82, of Brookhaven, died October 29, 2023, at her residence. She was born October 4, 1941, to J.D. Smalley and Vivian Lucile Newsom Smalley.

She played the accordion in the high school marching band and loved to sing. Ms. Johnson attended Lee College in Cleveland, TN. She was a member of the Lee College Traveling Choir. She was the organist for her church while she was growing up.

She loved children and babysat many children from Brookhaven. She also enjoyed keeping the bed babies in church during Sunday School for 24 years at First Baptist Church, where she was a member. She was active in the nursery up until the time of her stroke in 2014. She also enjoyed raising her three children, Kendall, Kyle, and Kristin. She loved her granddaughter, Abby, and great granddaughter, Millie. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her children Kendall Johnson, Jr., Kyle Johnson, and Kristin Milholen (Mike); brother, Joel Smalley (Angela); sister, Joyce Duck (Dr. Bryan); one granddaughter, Abigail Johnson; one great granddaughter, Amelia “Millie” Johnson. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

6 comments

  • Comment Link Judy and Julius Costakis Thursday, 02 November 2023 13:25 posted by Judy and Julius Costakis

    Angie and Joel and the entire Smalley family: we were saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Sister, Mother, Aunt, and friend. Though I only had occasion to meet Jane once over the years, I felt I knew her well through your personal recollections of her. I know she will be missed by all and I pray that you are comforted in knowing that she’s perfectly healed now and rejoicing.

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  • Comment Link Sharon Moore Wednesday, 01 November 2023 19:07 posted by Sharon Moore

    Prayers for your family as you walk through this valley. May your precious memories bring you comfort. God bless you.

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  • Comment Link Gayle Dalati Tuesday, 31 October 2023 21:29 posted by Gayle Dalati

    Growing up, Jane (Joe amd Joyce) were EXTENDED family. Our daddys marrIed sisters which made us DOUBLE FIRST COUSINS. (Out fathers being in business together made us even closer.) We didnt ask IF THEY were attending, or IF WE were going to Bible schools/graduations/weddings/holidays/summertime visits/hurricanes/funerals/
    going to hear her sing with the Lee Choir/family reunions
    etc. With MANY TRIPS between Mississippi and Florida...we just went.
    So i am saddened that i cant be there to celebrate her life. However i am sending love and prayers for comfort to all.

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  • Comment Link Joel and Angie Tuesday, 31 October 2023 16:02 posted by Joel and Angie

    Such a beautifully written and well deserved tribute to Jane. She was very loved and we will always cherish our memories of her. Our kids always loved for Aunt Jane to visit. Hers was a generous heart.
    Rest now sister.

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  • Comment Link Deborah Beaty Tuesday, 31 October 2023 14:26 posted by Deborah Beaty

    I am so sorry for your loss and praying for God’s comfort for your family. She was a remarkable person!

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  • Comment Link Hulene and Wendell Breland Tuesday, 31 October 2023 14:13 posted by Hulene and Wendell Breland

    Kendall, Kyle and Kristin sorry for your loss Praying you will find peace from the loss in the coming days and rejoice knowing your Mom is healed and safely home.

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