Melcena C. Johnson, 85, died Wednesday, April 11, at Piedmont Hospital in Athens, GA. Mrs. Johnson will be buried at Silverdale Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN. A graveside service will be held on May 26th at 11AM.
Melcena was born August 11, 1932 in Chattanooga, TN, to Melvin Oscar Burns and Edna Frances Smith Burns.
In 1950 Melcena graduated from Girls Preparatory School, Chattanooga, TN. In 1952 she attended the Cadek Conservatory, where she specialized in drama and speech. In 1954, Melcena graduated from The University of Chattanooga, where she majored in English and Drama. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.
In 1950, Melcena participated in summer stock at Priscilla Beach Theatre, Plymouth, MA. From 1960 -1970 Melcena worked with several television and radio stations in the Chattanooga area. She also worked as a free-lance model and fashion coordinator for several apparel stores, also in Chattanooga. Melcena taught Dramatics and Speech Therapy private and semi-private lessons for 18 years. From 1970 -1978 Melcena taught Speech in the Muscogee County School System. She also taught in Whitfield and Walker counties in Georgia. From 1978- 1989 she continued teaching as a substitute.
In 1953, Melcena married Edward E. Cotter. They had two children together. Edward preceded her in death in 1964. In 1970, she married Newell W. Johnson, who preceded her in 2013.
Melcena was a long-time member of Brainerd United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, Melcena taught Sunday School and volunteered with children’s summer camps. After moving to Pine Mountain, GA she became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pine Mountain.
Melcena was an active community member. Her social memberships include: Chattanooga Little Theatre (1944-1951); Kosmos Junior Women’s Club (1965-1970); Judging various Junior Miss Pageants including the Tennessee Junior Miss (1993-1994); Pine Mountain, GA Tourism Association; Chipley Woman’s Club.
Melcena is survived by her daughter, Kim Chenoweth (Steve) of Highlands, NC; her son Ed Cotter (Brenda) of Watkinsville, GA; step-daughter, Jenny Johnson of Paris, France; and step-son Bob Johnson of Knoxville, TN. Melcena was the proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Andy Cotter, Clay Cotter, Hal Cotter, Katie Hawter, Matt Chenoweth, Julie Johnson, Brent Johnson. She also cherished her five great-grandchildren: Levi Cotter, Bailey Cotter, Willa Cotter, Jonathan Hawter, and Isabel Hawter.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Melcena Johnson may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or online at www.stjude.org

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