Elizabeth Johnson Obituary

Elizabeth P. Johnson, 95, of Greenville though recently residing in Greer, beloved wife of her first husband, and father of her children, the late Odell L. "Bud" Graham; and second husband, the late Jimmy P. Johnson, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Born in Six Mile, SC, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Ella Bryson Pilgrim. Elizabeth was the oldest member of Unity Baptist Church in Greenville, where she faithfully served and worshiped for over thirty years. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Elizabeth was a woman of unwavering faith, love, and strong family values. She was a great baker of pecan pies and has been known to make a "mean" pound cake that folks fought over. A lover of plants, Elizabeth loved growing flowers and vegetables to can or freeze whenever she could. She had a warm heart, a gentle spirit, and especially cherished the companionship of her beloved grand-dog, Allie. Last week Elizabeth fully celebrated her 95th birthday with a trip to Greenwood to celebrate with her 100-year-old sister, Ruth Latta and other family members; shared lunch and was treated to a big birthday surprise celebration and serenade at the Harris Teeter store where her great-great-grandson Joey works; an Italian dinner on her birthday complete with a fitting Facebook posting by great-granddaughter Ashley. "Celebrating 95 legendary years of our family's very own Rockstar! Great-Grandma Liz, your wisdom, strength, and sass are unmatched. Here's to the woman who's seen almost a century of life and still shines brighter than ever. Love you beyond words!"; enjoyed numerous birthday phone calls and many beautiful greeting cards, which she dearly loved, and always saved! Elizabeth was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be forever missed. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Ruth Latta; daughters, Sandra Graham Wilkie (Dan Fenner), and Sarah Elizabeth Templeton; son, Samuel Odell Graham; stepdaughter, Doris Pigg; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son, Joseph Edward Graham; brothers, Clyde Pilgrim, Leroy Pilgrim, Claude Pilgrim, Andrew Pilgrim and Herman Pilgrim; and sister, Florence Pilgrim. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 05, 2025, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Unity Baptist Church, with burial service to follow at Graceland Cemetery West. Unity Baptist Church will provide lunch for family and friends at the church following the burial service. Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the "Watch Now" button located on the main obituary page. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Elizabeth with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory". To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth, please visit our floral store.