Mrs. Nellie Gay Johnson, 92, of Wataga, Illinois died at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.
She was born on December 13, 1932, in Biggers, Arkansas to John William Hobert and Norah Leah (Pennington) Carter. She married Raymond Johnson on January 13, 1951, in Abingdon, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 11, 2007.
Surviving are three daughters, Raylonda “Londie” Gay (and Larry) Benson of San Diego, California, Gaeleanor “Sue” Johnson of Wataga, and Leesa Maeleah (and Keith) Stodden of Knoxville, Illinois, a sister, Eleanor Landon of Abingdon, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sons, Jessie William “Bill” Raymond Johnson and Jimmy Ray Johnson, and three brothers, Hobert Carter, George Carter, and Pete Carter.
Nellie Gay graduated from Abingdon High School in 1950 and attended Carl Sandburg College. She was a homemaker, taking care of her husband and children. She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Abingdon since the age of 15. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing, especially dolls. She was known by many for her cooking and holiday treats. She was very artistic with her beautiful drawings. Nellie Gay was a devout Christian and was always reading the Bible and praying. She will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel with Rev. Melinda Bern officiating. Private burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
