Lieutenant Colonel Grace Phyllis Johnson, USA, Retired, 82, of Franklin, went to the ultimate reunion with her Heavenly Father and the family of the Lord Jesus Christ on, June 13, 2023.

Born in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of the late Eric Valentine Johnson and Margaret Nelson Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Gene Lynn; and nephew-in-law, Justin Moe.

Grace began her career at Cook County School of Nursing in Chicago. After completing required scholarship student service at Cook County Hospital, she went on to work at a Chicago area VA hospital while taking courses at the University of Illinois. Seeking new adventures, she moved to the research triangle of NC where she worked in another VA hospital while continuing her education at UNC Chapel Hill. In the 60's she and her sister Beverly quit their jobs in order to travel in Europe and the Middle East, enabling them to visit former classmates in Germany, France and England.

After returning home on the Queen Mary, she furthered her education at Cedarville College in Ohio.

She then entered the US Army which led to a twenty-five year career in the Army Nurse Corp, including tours of duty in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Grenada, Iran and many stateside assignments. She began and ended her military career in Ft. Lewis, Washington.

Grace spent her retirement in beautiful Franklin NC, finally close to her family. She stayed very active with many community, nonprofit, military service and cultural organizations. Throughout her life she sang in church and area choirs, most recently where she attended First Alliance Church, as she sought to faithfully serve her Lord Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her sister, Beverly Lynn of Franklin; niece, Kristina Lynn Moe of Franklin; two nephews, Bruce David Lynn (Amy) of Clyde, NC, and Timothy John Lynn (Jennifer) of Franklin, NC; five great nieces and nephews, Summer, Randy, Eliza, Molly, and Brody.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday June 25, at 4pm in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Bradley Bennett will officiate. The family will receive friends 3-4pm.

Flowers or plants are welcome, but please consider memorial donations to organizations that remind you of Grace.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com .

Macon Funeral Home is graciously handling the arrangements.