May 20, 2025

Remembering a Community Educator and Musician

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News Summary

Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd, a beloved educator and musician, has passed away at age 96. Her contributions to education and church activities enriched the lives of many in Jefferson City. Gretta’s legacy continues through her family and numerous students she inspired throughout her lifetime. A celebration of her life will take place at First Baptist Church, honoring her exceptional dedication to community service and passion for music.

Jefferson City, TN – Gretta Virginia Johnson Lloyd, a revered figure in the community, passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 96. Her contributions to education, music, and church activities left a profound impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Born on January 15, 1929, in McCaysville, GA, Gretta was the daughter of William Victor Johnson and Jesse Mae Arrowood Johnson, and later became the step-daughter of Irene Quintrell Johnson. She grew up in Epworth, GA, where she attended Fannin County Schools and excelled as an All-State basketball player during her high school years.

Gretta pursued higher education at Bessie Tift College in Forsyth, GA, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Voice from the University of Georgia. Her dedication to education continued as she earned a Master of Religious Education from Carver School of Missions and Social Work in Louisville, KY.

On December 21, 1953, Gretta married Rev. Raymond Lloyd, and together they welcomed four children: Richard Raymond Lloyd III, William Evan, Vicky May, and Linda Lee. A dedicated mother, Gretta embraced the role of homemaker following the birth of her first child, cherishing her time with her family.

Gretta’s life was deeply intertwined with her church, where she began singing in choirs at age 14 and teaching Sunday School around the same time. She was actively involved in various church missions, playing significant roles in programs such as Bible Drills and Vacation Bible School. Over the years, she served as the local church President and was the associational President of the Women’s Missionary Union. She also contributed to the State Board of Missions in Mississippi.

Her musical talents were widely acknowledged, and she performed with esteemed ensembles like the Chattanooga Concert Choir, Chattanooga Opera Association, Starkville Symphony Chorus, and Knoxville Choral Society. Rev. Lloyd often affectionately referred to Gretta as his “Songbird”, emphasizing her importance in both his pastoral work and personal life.

Gretta spent three years as a social worker at the Louisville and Jefferson County Children’s Home before fully immersing herself in her family life. She also shared her passion for music and education by teaching at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary in Ogbomosho, Nigeria, and providing ESL instruction at Pui Ching Elementary School in Hong Kong.

During their retirement, Gretta and Rev. Lloyd traveled extensively, visiting over 80 countries, which broadened their horizons and enriched their lives. Tragically, Gretta was preceded in death by two of her children, William Evan and Linda Lee, as well as her daughter-in-law Debra Heard Lloyd, and son-in-law Joseph Michael Redfearn.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. R. Raymond Lloyd, Jr., and their two remaining children, Dr. Richard R. Lloyd III and Vicky Redfearn Wilkes. Gretta’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Richard R. “Logan” Lloyd IV, Dr. Kelsey Lee Lloyd, Rachel Ann Redfearn, Jacob Michael Redfearn, Captain Joseph Evan Redfearn of the U.S. Space Force, and William Jordan Lloyd. Additionally, Gretta is survived by her great-grandchildren: Cora Lynn Lloyd and Eva James Lloyd, along with numerous extended Johnson family members.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, TN, on May 16, 2025. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by the worship service at 1:30 p.m. Gretta will be interred 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 family invites friends to sign the guest register at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were managed by Manes Funeral Home.