Eldoria "Dody" Johnson

Eldoria "Dody" Johnson, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at her daughter's home in Andersonville, Tennessee. She was born on Saturday, March 12, 1938, in Stanton, Kentucky, to the late Jessie Mountz McKinney and the late Eunice Wells McKinney. Dody was a cherished lifelong resident of Powell County, whose heart was deeply intertwined with the community she served. Known for her inviting smile and warm spirit, she dedicated much of her life to the culinary arts, bringing joy to those around her through her cooking at Mildred’s Diner, Clay City Restaurant, Cotton’s Restaurant, and as the former owner of Bruen's Restaurant in Stanton. Dody found immense joy in singing Bluegrass Gospel music, her beautiful voice resonating with the heartbeats of her family and friends, and watching their smiles blossom as they enjoyed her meals, which brought her great happiness and a deep sense of pride. Central to her life were the pillars of Family and Faith. As the seventh of sixteen siblings, Dody's upbringing was rich in camaraderie and love. She had a special bond with her brothers and sisters, and when surrounded by family, her eyes lit up with affection and joy. Dody's family was her greatest treasure, and she relished the moments spent with them, creating lifelong memories and sharing much laughter with her playful sense of humor. A devoted believer, she found strength and purpose in her faith, embracing every opportunity to serve the Lord and her community with love. In addition to her parents, Dody is preceded in death by one daughter, Nancy Ellen Wasson; four brothers: David Anderson McKinney, Kendall McKinney, William Franklin McKinney, and Farrell Ray McKinney; and eight sisters: Mildred Estes, Laverne Tharpe, Thelma Bishop, Wilma Bishop, Jeanette Charles, Irene Olinger, Dorothy Mae McKinney, and Beulah Ann McKinney. She is survived by five daughters: Eunice Marlene Wasson and Zaundra Gail Swanson, both of Nancy, Kentucky, Martha Lorraine (Barry) Morton of Andersonville, Tennessee, Annitta Irene Lykins of Ohio, and Thelma "Shamo" (James) Creech of Stanton, Kentucky; three sisters: Kathlene Rogers of Stanton, Janet Flippo of Clay City, and Berneice Wills of Winchester; seventeen grandchildren: LaRain, Rhonda, Amy, Tracy, Jessica, Travis, Eldoria Irene, Farrell Ray, Adam, Bonnie, Johnna, Ben, Tabitha, Tara, Devon, David Keith, and Christopher; forty-seven great-grandchildren; and twenty great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. George Sparks will be held at the funeral home at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Burial will be held at Stonegate Cemetery in Stanton, Kentucky, with David Keith Yeary, Adam Morton, Travis Fugate, Farrell Ray Fugate, Michael Long, and Jeramie Long serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Joyce Hearne, Hondo Hearne, Cash Bishop, Elish Bishop, Patsy McKinney, Ben Parks, Tracy Spicer, Austin Combs, Christopher Creech, Pierce Collins, Jr., and Walter Fugate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.