Doris Cunningham Johnson

Doris C. Johnson, passed away Thursday morning, January 9, 2025 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 30, 1934 in Sharon, Tennessee to James P. and Lula Cunningham. Her father was a carpenter with DuPont. Her family moved from Tennessee to Wilmington, Delaware, and finally to Aiken, South Carolina when the ”Bomb” plant was constructed. Doris graduated from Aiken High School, where she was a majorette and the first to twirl the fire baton in South Carolina.

She was married B. Henderson Johnson, Jr. (the love of her life) on November 15, 1953 until Henderson’s death in 2014.

Together they raised four children: Barry Henderson Johnson (1954-1995) (Susie); Vicki Johnson Snelgrove (Von); Brad Johnson (Hollynn); and Todd Johnson (Paige).

They had five grandchildren: Stuart Johnson (Brandi); Beverly Snelgrove (Josh); Scott Johnson; Leigh Snelgrove (1989-2020); Gray Johnson (Reed) and three great-grandchildren: Alexandria Barry Johnson, Charlotte Rose Johnson, and Wesley Leigh Atlas Sterkel.

Doris was extremely committed to her husband and family – sewing ballet costumes, patching baseball uniforms, attending every baseball, football and basketball game in which her children participated. She insisted that since Vicki went to all of the ball games, that Barry, Brad and Todd attend all of Vicki’s ballet performances.

Once her children were grown, she began her own professional career as a Realtor, even being named Realtor of the year. She was a mentor to younger realtors who were just entering the profession. 

She and Henderson were very active in the community. They were Cancer Society volunteers and longtime members of First Baptist Church where they were Sunday School teachers. She was also a member of the Suburban Garden Club for many years.

She and Henderson loved travelling all over the world, specifically enjoying Gstaad, Switzerland and Santorini, Greece. However, her time spent at Edisto Beach with her many books was her most treasured place. She and Henderson are now dancing to one of their favorite tunes, Carolina Girls.

Doris was predeceased by siblings: Sam Cunningham; Jimmy Cunningham; Sarah Burkhart, Florence Woll, and Ben Cunningham. She is survived by a brother: Norman Cunningham.

The family thanks all of Doris’s caregivers, especially Janie, Elaine and Lavaun. They stayed with her and cared for her as if she was their mother.

A private service for the family will be held at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home. Interment will be in Southlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to any of the following: Barry H. Johnson Scholarship at USC-Aiken, Alumni House, 471 University Pkwy., Aiken, SC 29801; Leigh Johnson Snelgrove Memorial Scholarship with the Coastal Community Foundation, 1691 Turnbull Ave., North Charleston, SC 29045 (https://coastal.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=6280); B. Henderson Johnson and Brad Johnson Baseball Scholarship at The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St, Charleston, SC 29409 and Aiken’s First Baptist Church, 120 Chesterfield St., N., Aiken, SC 29801.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC