Naomi Nell Johnkins

NAOMI NELL JOHNKINS,  age 78 of Athens, Tenn. transitioned from life on Friday, May 10, 2019 surrounded by family at her residence.  She was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, Tenn. a daughter of the late Caleb and Rosie Cox Johnkins.  She was a cosmetologist.  Naomi devoted her life to being a mother to five children . "Granny" has been a devoted grandmother to ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her kindness and generosity made an impact on each and every person she met.  Everyone was welcome in her home and treated like family.

She was preceded in death by: 

• Two sisters: Rosa Montgomery, Carrie Brown,
• Brother: Caleb Johnkins, Jr.,
• Grandson: Demitrius Cox 
• Daughter-in-law: Vanessa Cox.

Survivors:

• Children: Gloria Cox of Apex, North  Carolina, Nona Johnkins,  Jerri (Matt) Hill , Kali Thornton all of  Athens, Tenn. ,  Son : Victor Cox  (Missy Sherrill)  of Athens, Tenn.,
• Ten Grandchildren:  Toni "Nikki" Johnkins, Trey Locke (Chastity) , Stephen (Bonnie) Cox, Sydni (Jacob) Chrisman, Kelsey (Rachel) Lewis, Ryne Cox, Jonah Thornton, Danielle Lewis, Jala Thornton, Jemaris Thornton,
• Seven  Great Grandchildren: Kirra Floyd, Kellan Floyd, Keelan Pennington-Lewis, Jaxson Burns, Harley Keller, Kylie McClure and Emmitt McClure,
• Two Brothers: John Johnkins, Jerome (Odean) Johnkins,
• Two Sisters: Josephine Johnkins and Tabitha Smith. 
• Special daughter: Laura (John) Johnson
• Special friends: Helen Collier and Rachel Millsaps,
• A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

The family would like to extend our thanks for the generosity, care, and unconditional love given to our mother, especially Annissa Brabson and Missy Sherrill. Also a special thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga.

Funeral services will be 4:00 P.M. Friday, May 17, 2019 at St. Mark's A.M.E. Zion Church with Rev. Leuty McDermott officiating. 

Interment will follow in Hammonds Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Nick Johnkins, Troy McDermott, Greg Brown, Matt Hill, Scotty Johnkins, Gary Johnkins, Jeff Hammonds, and David Smith.

The family will receive friends from 3-4 Friday at the church.

Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com./notices/Naomi-Johnkins.

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.