Nelilee S. Johnson

Mrs. Nelilee S. Johnson, age 91 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Golden Living Center. She was born on May 7, 1919, in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of Lee and Nellie Dearing Sevier. She was married on July 30, 1939, to Edgar C. Thompson, who preceded her in death on March 23, 1965. She married Troy Jackson, who preceded her in death on July 19, 1998, and later married Orville Johnson, who preceded her in death on October 29, 2001. She was a 1937 graduate of Jefferson City High School and later graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. with an associate's degree in education. A resident of the central Missouri area for the majority of her life, Nelilee moved to Joplin in 1974 where she was employed as a tax auditor with the Missouri Department of Revenue until her retirement in 1993. After retirement she returned to Jefferson City to be closer to her family. Nelilee was a member of First Christian Church in Jefferson City and attended Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Holts Summit, Mo. She was also a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Victoria Chapter #14. Survivors include: one son, Nike Thompson and his wife Callie of Jefferson City, Mo.; one daughter, Jennie Crum and her husband Shawn of Holts Summit, Mo.; one step-daughter, Leona Neistendirk and her husband Richard of Hartsburg, Mo.; one step-son, Orville "Buck" Johnson Jr. of Atlanta, Ga.; two grandchildren, Mark Zbinden and Sara Schroeder; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 31, 2011, with an Order of the Eastern Star under the auspices of the Victoria Chapter #14 at 9:45 a.m. in the Freeman Chapel. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 31, 2011, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dusty Klein officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Cedar Grove Baptist Church Building Fund or the First Christian Church Food Pantry. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com