Leona Atkins

ATKINS Leona Johnson, 85, of Nashville, TN died on October 21, 2009. Born in Willliamsburg, Ohio September 12, 1924 to H.C. and Merle Johnson. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and avid golfer. In the early 40's Leona and twin sister Lois made up singing duo "The Johnson Twins". While performing on radio station WLW in Cincinnati, she met Chet Atkins and they married in 1946. Preceded in death by her husband, Chester Burton Atkins; parents H.C. and Merle Johnson; brothers, Walter, Elton, and John Johnson; sisters Lois Burns, Dorothy Fomorin, Betty Riggs, Evelyn Adamson, Ann Phillips, and Ruth Marie Riggs. Survived by daughter Merle Atkins Russell, granddaughter Amanda Sawyer Chad, grandson Jonathan Russell Carrie, and great-grandsons Jamie & Will Sawyer; brother Earl Johnson of Hamilton, OH.; sisters; Norma Jean Fox of Dayton, OH., Virginia Komo of Milford, OH, Catherine Smith of Milford, OH, Shirley Kautz of Dayton, OH., and Florence Ritchey of Mt. Orab, OH; sister-in-law Billie Rose Shockley, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would especially like thank Dr. Bruce Richards and the wonderful caregivers for their tireless work and dedication. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, followed by Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers are Shannon Bare, David Conrad, Vince Gill, Jonathan Russell, Chad Sawyer, Tim Shockley, Steve Wariner, Harry Warner, William Russell. Honorary Pallbearers: Gary Atkins, Chris Anderson, Gloria Bass, Pat Bergeson, Don & Phil Everly, Garrison Keillor, Kevin King, Nina Sivek, Ray Stevens, Bonnie Taggert, Brandon Taylor, Cindy Taylor, Matthew Taylor, and Paul Yandell.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Willowbrook Hospice, 381 Riverside Dr., Suite 440, Franklin, TN 37064 or the Chet Atkins Music Education Fund, P.O. Box 440225, Nashville, TN 37244 www.cfmt.org HARPETH HILLS FUNERAL HOME, 9090 HWY 100, 615 646-9292. www.harpethhills.com