Lillian Johnson DeFord

Lillian Johnson DeFord, age 90, of Knoxville, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, passing peacefully at her home. Originally from Middlesboro, KY, Lillian resided in Knoxville, TN since 1992; Lillian spent a portion of her life building memories in Chicago, Mt. Vernon, Connecticut, Glasgow, KY and her final resting place, Knoxville, TN, where her parents, Margreat and Herbert Johnson moved to in 1945 from Harlan, KY. Lillian was an active member of Hilltop Baptist Church where she served the Lord since moving to TN in the early 90's. She was part of the church choir and truly enjoyed participating in the homecoming and many of the church activities, including the Christmas play.

Lillian was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her. She had a gentle spirit and a loving heart that made family and friends feel welcomed, cared for, and deeply loved. Her life was filled with simple joys. meaningful moments, and the love she gave so freely to others.

Lillian especially loved dragonflies and butterflies, those delicate little creatures that seemed to dance gracefully through the air. To her, they brought peace, beauty, and reminders of hope and transformation. Now, whenever a dragonfly or butterfly appears, it will remind us of her sweet spirit and the love she leaves behind.

She will be remembered for her caring nature, her smile, and the comfort she brought to those around her. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we are grateful for the memories she gave us and the time we shared with her.

Lillian's love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

Ms. Deford was preceded in death by her late husband, Curtis Deford; parents, Herbert and Margreat Berkley Johnson; brothers, Huey, Ken, Dave, and Henry; sisters, Vonceal, and Billy. Survivors include daughters, Sherry Lund and Victoria Hickey and husband Dave; son, Calvin; sisters, Sue and Mary; grandchildren, David Hickey and wife Catherine, Laura Pera and husband Robert, Stephanie Dowd and husband Thomas Dowd, Jr. and Briony and Megan Martin; and great grandchildren, Katelynn and Robert Pera, Jr., Madelyn and Cara Hickey, Mackenzie and Timothy Dowd, and Parker Jade. The family would like to thank Flora "Libby" Glover for her special care of Ms. Deford for the past 11 years. Additionally, the family would like to thank our “Caring Angels,” Marites, Luz and Naume.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, followed by a 7:00 PM funeral service, officiated by Pastor Lee Strunk. Family and friends will meet at 12:45 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel to travel in procession to Woodhaven Memorial Gardens (160 Edgemoor Rd. Powell, TN 37849) for a 2:00 PM interment. Pallbearers will be, Adam Levko, Kris Brown, Nate Gibson, Donte Foust, Heath Hammett and Richard Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Hilltop Baptist Church remodel fund. https://knoxhilltop.wixsite.com/hilltop/donate

An online obituary may be viewed, and condolences made at www.mynattfh.com.