Jefferson Deems Johnson, III

Jefferson Deems Johnson III, 83, of Clinton, NC, passed away on July 4, 2025.   Born on July 9, 1941 in Clinton, NC to North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Jefferson D. Johnson, Jr. and Virginia Frances Faison Johnson.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Faison Johnson and his beloved son Jefferson Deems Johnson IV.  He is survived by his former wife and lifelong friend, Susan Hill Blount Johnson of Raleigh, his sister Mary Lily Johnson Nuckolls of Galax, VA and her children, his daughters Susan Johnson Fordham (Hank) of Harper’s Ferry, WV and Ellen Johnson Bailey (Rhett) of Raleigh, his grandchildren Evelyn (Nick) Solheim, Abbey (Justin) Mohrmann, Davis Bailey, and Virginia Sloan Bailey, his great grandchildren Margot Solheim, Seth Mohrmann, Sawyer Solheim and Titus Mohrmann.  

Jeff was a graduate of Duke University (Class of ‘63) and Wake Forest Law School (Class of ’67). During Jeff’s prime he loved to bird hunt and enjoy the woods of Eastern North Carolina. In his latter years, he was devoted to studying the Bible and came to know his Lord and Savior intimately.  Jeff resided in Lillington, NC during his final years and was cared for by the staff of Lillington Health and Rehab, lead with grace and care by Robin Denning and Tawanna Taylor. A memorial service will be held in the fall for immediate family and close friends.  

Memorial donations may be sent to Spirit of Truth Ministry, which devotedly serves the assisted living residents at Lillington Health & Rehab.   Address: 2050 Guy Rd. Angier, NC 27501.

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