M. Nadine Johnson Herd

Mildred Nadine Johnson was born August 21, 1931, in Wetumka, OK, the second of seven children born to Joe and Lutie Johnson. As the oldest girl, she sometimes had a hand in raising her younger siblings.

 She went to secretarial school after high school, and worked and lived in several states: New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. She had daughter Debra Gayle Langley in 1952 with the late Floyd Al Langley, and daughter Sheila Colette Elwin in 1964 with the late Thomas Watson Elwin.

 Nadine worked for several companies, as well as for the government, but her longest time of service was as the credit manager of Home Health Education Service, part of the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in Decatur, Georgia. She was also very active in the Adventist churches where she was a member.

 Shortly before retirement, she married the late R.H. Kelley and enjoyed their small farm with chickens and cows. Years later, after meeting him when his Ocoee River Band was performing, she added music performance to her many abilities, and goats to their little farm.

 Nadine enjoyed a big adventure in Montana in 2016, flying out to be with daughter Sheila, son-in-law Steve Loga, and beloved grandson Micah Jasionowski. She was so proud of Micah, and was later pleased to know that he attributed his fiscal acumen to her genetic heritage and example.

 After a serious fall in 2018, she and RV moved to Garden Plaza Assisted Living. Though her dementia had progressed, she enjoyed many social activities and classes, and listening to music recordings of RV's son Robin, as well as visits from RV's daughters, Cheryl Bothe and Sandy Barringer. Shortly before her husband's death, she became bedridden and remained so for the next four-plus years. During this time Nadine gained a personal caregiver, Jackie Walker, whom, with daughter Nikki Jones, she grew to love like family.

 Though amazingly healthy in her later years, a decline in mid-September 2026 led to her death on the 27th. Except for her parents, five siblings, and late husbands, she is survived by all mentioned here, as well as her sister, Latrelle Parker; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends and coworkers. She will be remembered with great respect and love for her caring nature, her capable practicality, and her gracious presence.