Kimberly “Kim” Dawn Johnson, 60, of Tifton passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Tift Regional Medical Center surrounded by her family. A graveside funeral service will be held for Kim at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. The Rev. TJ Mauldin will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Born March 22, 1966, in Tift County, Kim was the daughter of the late Joseph F. “Joe” Johnson, Sr. and Jeannette Brinson Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandmothers, whom she adored, Ella Mae Harvey Brinson and Lucille Marchant Johnson.
Kim loved and cherished her children and grandchildren and supported them in life and everything they were involved in. Nothing brought her more joy than loving and cheering them on through life.
In high school, she was a cheerleader at Tift County High School and was proudly cheering for the Blue Devils when they won the State Championship in 1983. She was also an achieved dancer and danced from elementary school through high school with the Carolyn Ellis School of Dance.
After graduating Tift County High School, she worked during the summer months at the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Kim loved going to the beach, especially Saint Augustine, where she found peace and happiness. When she wasn’t at the beach, her “happy place” was floating in her pool. She was an avid fan of Georgia Tech football; and her favorite television show was Andy Griffith. She previously worked for the Tift County Board of Elections but then transitioned to being a homemaker and spent most of that time taking care of her grandchildren. She was of the Baptist faith.
Kim was a sweet and selfless person, who put taking care of others before taking care of herself. Her gently spirit, caring nature, and unconditional love touched everyone who knew her.
Kim leaves behind a loving family, who deeply adored her and countless memories that will be cherished forever. Those left behind are one son, Justin Sheppard (Heather Baker) of Tifton; one daughter, Heather Barfield (Lon) of Tifton; one brother, Joey Johnson of Tifton; one sister, Venisha Buckley of Tifton; four grandchildren, Brayden Barfield, Landon Sheppard, Jordyn Baker and Madyson Baker; three nephews, Rob Buckley (Danielle), Ross Buckley and Ryan Buckley (Abby); one great-nephew, Buck Buckley; two great-nieces, Riley Buckley and Hattie Buckley; and the father of her children and her friend, Dennis Sheppard.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.