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Remembering Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd

Community members gathering to honor Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd

News Summary

The community mourns the loss of Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd, a cherished figure who passed away at 96. Known for her talents in music and education, Gretta’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her. She dedicated her life to service, family, and faith, leaving a lasting impact on many lives. A Celebration of Life Service will honor her contributions and love for her community.

Celebrating the Life of Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd

Jefferson City, TN – The community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd, who passed away peacefully at the impressive age of 96 on May 9, 2025. A woman of remarkable talent and an immense heart, Gretta’s legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those who knew her.

A Southern Belle with Roots in Georgia

Born on January 15, 1929, in the quaint town of McCaysville, Georgia, Gretta was the cherished daughter of William Victor Johnson and Jesse Mae Arrowood Johnson. Later, she welcomed her stepmother, Irene Quintrell Johnson, into her loving family. Gretta’s formative years were spent in the picturesque town of Epworth, where she attended local schools and dazzled everyone as an All-State basketball player.

A Passion for Music and Education

Gretta’s creative journey truly blossomed after she pursued her education further. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Voice, from the University of Georgia, after completing her studies at Bessie Tift College in Forsyth, GA. Her enthusiasm for learning didn’t stop there; she earned a Master of Religious Education from the esteemed Carver School of Missions and Social Work in Louisville, Kentucky.

Building a Life Together

On a beautiful day in December, Gretta married Rev. Raymond Lloyd on the 21st in 1953. Their union became a collaborative effort in faith and service, leading her to work three years as a Social Worker at the Louisville and Jefferson County Children’s Home. However, after welcoming her first child, her focus shifted to being a dedicated homemaker, a role she took great pride in.

Her Musical Legacy

Gretta’s love for music was evident from a young age. She began singing in church choirs at just 14 years old and went on to teach Sunday School and lead church mission activities. Wherever her husband took on a pastoral role, Gretta was there, often singing during his trial sermons. Many congregations sought both the pastor and “his Songbird” to lead their worship.

Not only did she sing in church choirs, but she was also affiliated with various musical groups, including the Chattanooga Concert Choir, the Chattanooga Opera Association, the Starkville Symphony Chorus in Mississippi, and the Knoxville Choral Society. Gretta wasn’t just an extraordinary singer; she also shared her knowledge by teaching music classes at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary and ESL at Pui Ching Elementary School in Hong Kong.

A World Traveler

Gretta’s adventurous spirit took her and her husband Ray to over 80 different countries during their retirement, creating countless memories along the way. She was a proud mother of four, including Richard Raymond Lloyd III, William Evan, Vicky May, and Linda Lee. Tragically, she was preceded in death by her two children and several family members, yet her legacy lives on through her surviving family.

Her Lasting Impact

Gretta is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. R. Raymond Lloyd Jr., and their remaining children, including Dr. Richard R. Lloyd III and Vicky Redfearn Wilkes, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family remembers her not only for her extraordinary abilities but for her deep love and unwavering support.

Honoring Her Memory

A Celebration of Life Service is set to honor Gretta on May 16, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, TN. Visitors can pay their respects during visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Newport, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ray and Gretta Lloyd Scholarship Fund for Ministerial Students at Carson Newman University. The arrangements are in the caring hands of Manes Funeral Home, and those wishing to leave their thoughts and condolences are encouraged to sign the guest register online.

As we remember Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd, we celebrate a life filled with purpose, love, and music—one that will resonate in the hearts of many for years to come.