Bernadette “Bernie” Hanley Johnson
Bernadette Ellen Hanley Johnson, affectionately known as “Bernie,” passed away peacefully, June 28, 2026, at the age of 80, at her home, surrounded by her husband and three children.
Born July 14, 1945, and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bernie was the beloved daughter of Anthony Joseph Hanley and Mary Ann Doherty Hanley. In 1964, she and the love of her life, Marvin Joseph Johnson, made their home on the family farm on Signal Mountain, Tennessee, beginning a remarkable journey together that spanned 62 years of marriage.
Bernie was proceeded in death by her parents; her sisters, Catherine Anne Hanley LeBlanc, Mary Carol Hanley and Barbara Claire Hanley; and brother, Paul Anthony Hanley.
Although moving from the city to rural Signal Mountain was quite a culture shock, Bernie embraced farm life with determination and grace. She quickly adapted, enjoying hay cutting seasons, lending a hand with the cattle whenever needed, and creating a warm, loving home for her family. She was especially proud to call Lone Oak her home. A sign hanging in her kitchen perfectly captured her heart: “I wasn’t born on Signal Mountain, but I got here as fast as I could.”
Bernie retired after 21 years of dedicated service with the Hamilton County School System. Before working in the school system, she worked at Pruett’s Food Town, and then was owner/operator with her husband of Signal Mountain Laundry for seven years.
She was a faithful member of Lone Oak Baptist Church and found joy in serving others. Whether volunteering alongside family and friends, helping neighbors, or quietly meeting the needs of those around her, Bernie lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and faith.
She had a gift for making a house feel like home. She loved knitting, sewing, canning, and cooking, and nothing brought her greater happiness than sharing her talents and time with those she loved.
Bernie is survived by her devoted husband, Marvin Joseph Johnson; her children, Kim Johnson Lockhart and husband Greg Lockhart, Marvin Joseph Johnson II and Adalberto Peña, and Jennifer Johnson Tamble and husband Chris Tamble. She was a proud grandmother to Noah Lance Lockhart, Hannah Marie Lockhart, and Grace Ellen Lockhart-Wike and her husband Hunter Wike, Henry Robert Tamble and his fiancée Hannah Miller; and a loving great-grandmother to Hunter Robert Tamble.
Above all, Bernie will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her servant’s heart, her strength, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she passed down, and the love she so generously gave. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, church family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 30 at Lone Oak Baptist Church, followed by burial in Hall Cemetery.
Ewton Funeral Home & Cremation Center was honored to be in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Bernadette “Bernie” Johnson and ask that you share your memories and condolences for her family on their website at www.ewtonfuneralhome.com.
