Johanna Denise Williams’ zest for life was infectious. A former cheerleader captain for Eastside Jr. High School, she carried the spirit of joy and encouragement into every room. Her love for dancing, cooking and decorating not only made her home a haven of warmth and beauty, but also a testament to her belief in celebrating life's every moment.
Above all, Johanna was a cherished mother to her three beautiful daughters, whose lives are a testament to her love, guidance and enduring spirit. She instilled in them the values of faith, family and the joy of service to others, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to blossom in their lives and the lives of those they touch.
Born May 13, 1959, to the late James and Viola Cooper in Chattanooga, Johanna grew from a spirited child into a remarkable woman, embodying the virtues of compassion, resilience and an unshakeable devotion to her faith as a devout Jehovah's Witness. Her commitment to her Bible studies remained steadfast, a source of strength and solace, even in her final days. Johanna worked as a cook at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo for many years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James “Ivory” Williams; grandson, Latwain Campbell; sister, Emma D. Cooper-Fritz, James Cooper, Jr.; grandparents, Sara James-Cooper, Ben Cooper, Lena Phillips and Henry Phillips; aunts, Christine McClendon, Louise Preston and Thelma Reid; uncles, Robert Alexander and Charlie Phillips; and nephews, Orlandus Gay, D’Kobe Jordan and Devonte Moon.
She leaves to cherish her memories, daughters, Jaywanna Cooper-Townes, Twanna Cooper-Coger and Ilena Williams; stepchildren, James Williams, Jr., of Atlanta, Robert and Mary Williams, of Ellenwood, Ga.; sisters, Louise Bell of Chattanooga, TN, and Carolyn Malone of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, Gerald Fritz; aunts, Tina Joshen, of Chattanooga, and Viola Phillips, of Cleveland, Oh.; grandchildren, Clarence Orton, III, Jamiya Orton, JaQuann Orton, Terran Bell, Jr., Tariah Bell, Larry Campbell, Jacorrion Tramble, Lajuan Campbell, Geliyah Williams, Latavius Campbell and a host of other grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Payton Orton, Mark Jackson III, Tezari Houston, Kaison Hall, Casmir Orton, Calani Orton, Sapphire Orton, Asher Fitch, Zyler Orton and a host of other great-grandchildren; godchildren, Carlos Hampton, Issac and Daaron Espey; nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. She especially cherished the love shown by her grandchildren Jacorrion Tramble and Tariah Bell. Special friends are Ms. Burdeen Woods, Linda Murray Bullard, Doretha Carter and Shawna Burney.
Services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11 at John P. Franklin Funeral Home at 2 p.m. The burial service will commence Monday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. in Forest Hills Cemetery.
Johanna's journey on earth has ended, but her light remains, guiding us with the promise of a joyful reunion in the paradise to come. May we find comfort in her memories, strength in her faith and joy in the legacy she leaves behind. Until we meet again.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn., 423-622-9995.