Nelda Wood Johnson, beloved wife, mother, mamaw, sister, and friend passed away on March 7, 2022 at the age of 80, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Nelda was born on April 15, 1941 to Nelson and Freddie Brock Wood. She was the third eldest daughter in a family of five sisters.

Nelda was a graduate of New Zion School, Southwest Mississippi Junior College, and the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned her Master's Degree in Education. Nelda enriched and inspired thousands of students throughout her long and exemplary career as an Educator.

Nelda began her teaching career in Moss Point, Mississippi. After several years, her family relocated to Chalmette, Louisiana, where she lived and taught in St. Bernard Parish until her retirement forty years later. Nelda was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions throughout her illustrious teaching career, including Educator of the Year, as well as being selected as Teacher of the Year numerous times. After her retirement as an Educator, Nelda returned home to Walthall County to enjoy time with her family. Nelda was a cherished and faithful member of New Zion Baptist Church.

Nelda was an accomplished and fun-loving lady with many loves and interests, including but not limited to being an avid reader, gardener, trip taker, shopper, flower tender, coffee drinker (with family and friends), and outdoor explorer. She was renowned for her wit, and revered for her kindness.

Nelda Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Johnson; parents, Nelson and Freddie Wood; sister, Barbara Laird; Brothers-in law, J.W. Bilbo and Ben Ferguson; and niece, Tara Moore.

Nelda Johnson is survived by her son, Shea Johnson and wife, Jody of Tylertown, Mississippi, sisters, Dorothy Bilbo of Tylertown, Mississippi, Beverly Ferguson of Brewton, Alabama, and Virginia Graves of Tylertown, Mississippi, and brother-in-law, Paul Graves of Tylertown, Mississippi, Grandchildren Case Johnson of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Camryn Johnson of Tylertown, Mississippi, sisters-in-law, Marilyn Johnson Russell and husband Victor of Ft. Walton, Florida; and Beverly Johnson Wynne and husband Robert of Newbern, North Carolina; Nieces, Shannon Graves Fortinberry and husband Keith of Tylertown, Mississippi; Jan Bilbo Husser and husband Clint of Ponchatoula, Louisiana; Brittany Laird of Tylertown, Missisippi; Jessica Sanford of Tylertown, Mississippi; Nephews, Greg Bilbo and wife Susan of Tylertown, Mississippi; Eric Ferguson and wife Abbey of Cleveland, Tennessee; Kyle Ferguson and wife Sara of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Christian Graves and wife Braseye of Tylertown, Mississippi. Nelda Johnson leaves behind a host of great nieces and great nephews, other family members and relatives, and many friends to cherish her memory.

Services for Nelda Johnson will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at New Zion Baptist Church. Visitation is from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:30 AM. Bro. Eric Ferguson will be officiating. Interment will follow at Wood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Ferguson, Greg Bilbo, Case Johnson, Jeff King, Bill Wallace, and Jason Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Christian Graves, Paul Graves, and Keith Fortinberry.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.hartmanhughesfuneralhome.com