EDITORS NOTE: In presenting Obituaries it is our policy to give our readers insight into the inspirational, as well as committed lives that those we write about have lived. When presented with Mrs. Johnson’s 40-Page Funeral Program, we didn’t quite know what to expect. However, it was soon made clear, through numerous testimonies by those who knew her, why the funeral program was so extensive.
Mrs. Nurry T. Johnson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and lifelong servant of her church and community, entered into eternal rest after a life marked by unwavering faith, boundless love, and steadfast dedication to others. Her journey, rich with purpose and grace, leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Born March 26, 1934, to Vernelle Peebles Turner and Robert Romeo Turner, she was raised in the historic Oberlin community of Raleigh, NC. Nurry was influenced early on by strong roots in faith, family, and education. She was a proud alumna of Oberlin Elementary and Washington High School, and her devotion to learning and service blossomed under the influence of her cherished aunts, Dorothy Peebles Goodson and Natalie Peebles Wimberley. Following in her aunt Natalie’s footsteps, she became a proud Bennett Belle, graduating from Bennett College in 1956. It was there that she embraced the enduring values of sisterhood, excellence, and social responsibility, values that became the foundation of her life’s work.
Her pursuit of education did not end with her undergraduate degree. Nurry went on to earn two master’s degrees, one in Library Science and another in Business Education, from NC Central University. She continued her studies at institutions, including Catholic University, NC Agriculture & Technical State University, East Carolina University, NC State University, and the University of Denver, always committed to personal growth and academic excellence.
Mrs. Johnson began her distinguished 37-year career in education at Franklin Co. Training School in Louisburg, NC, serving as both a teacher and librarian. After three years, she returned to her Raleigh roots to work at the Richard B. Harrison Public Library before joining Shaw University. There, she rose from librarian to Assistant Professor of Business Education, guiding students and mentoring colleagues for over 16 years.
In 1973, she joined the Wake County Public School System, where she taught middle school students for 18 years. She was a firm believer in the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and she lived this truth fully, uplifting students, advocating for teachers’ rights, and actively participating in the National Education Association, the North Carolina Association of Educators, and the American Business Association.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Johnson lived a life full of joy, adventure, and community service. She and her devoted husband, John M. Johnson, shared many passions, including tennis, world travel, and competitive ridge, earning the distinguished title of Life Masters in the American Bridge Association. Nurry’s travel adventures took her across the globe, to West Africa, Jamaica, Europe, New Zealand, the Holy Land, and beyond.
A dedicated public servant, she gave generously of her time and talents. She served three terms on the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board was a Diamond Lifetime member of Delta Sigma theta Sorority, Inc., and volunteered with the Special Olympics, including during the 1999 World Games. In the early 1970s, she played a pivotal role in the integration of Wake County Public Schools, presenting the country’s busing plan in Federal Court, a powerful testament to her commitment to justice and equity.
Faith was the cornerstone of Mrs. Johnson’s life. A lifelong and devoted member of Wilson Temple United Methodist Church, she served in nearly every capacity imaginable. Her heart for service radiated in all she did, and she touched countless lives within her church family and far beyond.
She found deep joy in her family and delighted in the company of her husband, daughters, granddaughters, nieces, nephews, and extended “village” of friends, students, and sorors. She enjoyed needlepoint, scrapbooking, Sudoku, and capturing memories through photos and stories. Every holiday, family gathering, or a quiet moment spent with her granddaughters, Taelor and Sydni, was a gift she treasured deeply. In 2008, she was blessed with an Ethiopian granddaughter, Hirut, and they shared a love of family and service through cherished memories.
Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her loving husband, John M. Johnson; her brother, Wilbert Lassiter; and he parents, Robert Turner and Vernelle turner. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Mischelle J. Corbin and Kimberley J. Scott; her “bonus son,” William M. Peebles “Champ” (Gia); her precious granddaughters, Taelor Scott and Sydni Scott; adopted granddaughter, Hirut G. Kollech (Nahom); cherished nieces, Hope Lassiter, Tiffini Poole (Greg), Shannon Mewton (Paul), and Barbara Hairston (Michael), and nephews, Wilbert Lassiter (Nina), Juan Lassiter, and Shamus Johnson; her canine son, Lord Ashton Demetrius Johnson, along with a host of sorors, students, colleagues, and dear friends.
Her life was a beautiful tapestry of love, leadership, education, and unwavering faith. Mrs. Nurry T. Johnson walked through this world with grace and dignity, always lifting others as she cli8mbed. Her light will forever shine in the lives she touched and the community she deeply loved.
