Katherine Rudder Johnson 96, of Gainesboro, Tennessee passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Waters of Gainesboro.

 Katherine was born December 4, 1927, to Jim and Dimple Austin Rudder in Stevenson, Al. She was a teacher in Stevenson, Publisher and Editor of the Jackson County Sentinel in Gainesboro, Accounting Supervisor at Colonial Manufacturing in Gainesboro and worked for the Tennessee Department of Human Resources for many years before her retirement. She was married on December 25th , 1967, to Joe Johnson for 47 years. She was a member of Gainesboro United Methodist Church for more than 60 years. From the beginning, she was the matriarch of her family. Anyone that knew her knew how much she loved family and taught us all to care for one another. She truly was a gift to all that knew her for so long.

Katherine is preceded in death by her father Jim Rudder, her mother Dimple Rudder, her first husband, Jerry Simpson and husband, Joe N. Johnson who passed away on October 14. 2014 and her sister Jimmy Lou Williams. Survivors include her daughter Jerekay (James) Gunnels of Mt, Juliet, TN and 4 sons: Jim (Carol Ann) Simpson of St, Louis, MO, Terry (Pamala) Simpson of Paris, TN, Stan (Ute) Simpson of Gurley, Alabama, Jeff (Shannon) Johnson of Gainesboro, TN, niece Janell (Robert) Gallaher of Cookeville, TN, Grandchildren, Brandon Gunnels, Josh (Jenna) Gunnels, Kaleb Johnson, Bryson Johnson, Alex Johnson, Scott Simpson, Kristin Gunnels, Steve (Kelly) Barratiere, Shane (Samantha) Barratiere and Sarah (Will) Dutton; and 13 Great-Grandchildren.

Pallbearers: Kaleb Johnson, Bryson Johnson, Alex Johnson, Scott Simpson, Brandon Gunnels and Joshua Gunnels.

Memorial donations may be made the Gainesboro First United Church by contacting the funeral home.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 4-9 pm at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home.  Visitation on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Gainesboro First Untied Methodist Church.  Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 1 pm at the Gainesboro First United Methodist Church located at 302 S. Main St. Gainesboro, TN.  Dr. Joe Beavon and Bro. Danny Huffines will officiate the service. Her son, Stan Simpson will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  931-268-1550