Joan Margaret Johnson Nelms

Joan Margaret Johnson Nelms went to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 16, 2025, passing peacefully at home. She was 86 years old. Joan was born in Kyles Ford, TN on August 13,1939, to the late Coy Johnson and Cleo Johnson Bevins, and she grew up in Kingsport where she remained the rest of her life. In March 1964, Joan married Clarence Edward Nelms, and they built a loving, Christian home for their three children. Joan was a beloved matriarch who dedicated her life to loving her husband, raising her children, and serving others through the ministry of her home.

Joan’s family was the joy of her life, and she was always eager to share her giftedness in cooking with those she held so dear. While her homemade brownies were a favorite, everything she cooked was wonderful as it all reflected the love with which it was prepared. Her work outside of the home at “Tots and Tykes Day Care Center” underscores the heart she had for children which remained until her last breath. Whether it was her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, her emanation of maternal love and compassion was unmatched. Undoubtedly, Joan’s faith was central to all she did as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Joan made a profession of faith as a young girl, but a revival at West View Freewill Baptist Church on McGhee Street in early adulthood is when and where she made certain that Christ was her savior and Lord.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Coy Johnson and Cleo Johnson Bevins; husband of 58 years, Clarence Nelms; her daughter, Cheri Nelms Bell; granddaughter, Novaleigh Henderson; and her brother, Ralph Johnson.

Survivors include her sons, Steve Nelms (Monna) and Michael Nelms (Beverly); granddaughters, Shayla (Matt Henderson) and Catherine Nelms; grandson, Brady Nelms (Emily); great-grandchildren, Brody, Bryleigh, Lakynn, Miriam, and Naomi; sister, Janey Lane (Eddie); and lots of nieces and nephews.

A private family viewing will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home, and a funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at the Oak Hill Mausoleum for family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the hospice nurses for their diligent care for Joan.

Hamlett Dobson has the privilege of serving the Nelms Family.