Phyllis Wilbanks Johnson, age 75, of Baldwin, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Born on April 1, 1950, at “The Charm House” in Clarkesville, she was the daughter of the late Telford and Ostine Smith Wilbanks. Phyllis was a proud graduate of South Habersham High School, Class of 1967. On June 15, 1968, she married the love of her life, Fred Allison Johnson, beginning a beautiful journey of 58 devoted years together.
Phyllis dedicated many faithful years of service to Regions Bank before retiring, and later continued her career with First Financial in Oakwood. She was known for her strong work ethic, kind spirit, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she encountered.
A devoted member of Level Grove Baptist Church, Phyllis held her faith close to her heart. Church was an important and steady part of her life, providing her with deep friendships and spiritual strength.
Above all else, Phyllis’ greatest joy was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She also cherished the special bond she shared with her sisters, especially their beloved yearly trips together that created memories to last a lifetime. She was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan. Phyllis will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, and the warmth and kindness she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished so dearly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Leila McDowell, Stephen Wilbanks, and Priscilla Waters.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Fred Allison Johnson; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael Chad and Sabrina Johnson; her daughter and son-in-law, Alyson Johnson Piper and Andrew Piper; her grandchildren, Christy and Kevin Rice, Michael and Madison Johnson, and Tori Taylor; her great-grandchildren, Blake Johnson, Hannah Johnson, MaCayla Rice, Raelynn Rice, and Huntley Johnson; her sisters, Paula Hudgins, Sylvia Mason, Elaine Maxwell, Karen and Sam Graves, Rosemary and Johnny Williams, and Joan & Bobby Bradley; her brothers, Ronald and Anna Wilbanks, and Tim and Nancy Wilbanks; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of dear friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Dr. Brian James officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until the service hour.
Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to Level Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 416, Cornelia, GA. 30531.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, especially to Jamie Dills and Ajia Wilson, for the compassionate care and support they provided.
“Our mom forever, never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart.” By: Lynn Walker Gendusa
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
