Lee Martin Johnson, age 66, of Paducah, KY (formerly of Henderson, KY), passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center after courageously battling cancer for eight years.
Born in Ventura, California, Lee found her true home in Henderson, Kentucky, where she built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and family. It was in Henderson that she met the love of her life, Rick Johnson-her high school sweetheart-whom she married on April 16, 1977. Together they shared 48 devoted years, raising a family that became the heart of her world. Lee and Rick were blessed with three children, who later gave her the gift of eight grandchildren. She poured her heart into motherhood, never missing a soccer game, band concert, or dance recital. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement and warmth, and her unwavering support shaped her children into the people they are today. Her proudest titles were “Mom” and “Nana,” and she lived those roles with deep love and joy.
Throughout her life, Lee dedicated herself to her community. She worked for the Henderson County School System, the Henderson County Public Library, and the Henderson County PVA Office, where she formed lasting friendships and touched countless lives with her kindness and grace. Later in life, she moved to Paducah to be closer to her family-remaining the steady, loving presence they all cherished.
Lee was preceded in death by her mother, Minnie Elizabeth Dixon; her stepfather, Edward Eugene “Edgie” Dixon; and her father, Thomas Land Martin. She is survived by her devoted husband, Rick Johnson of Paducah, KY; her children: Benjamin Lee Johnson (Molly and their children, Benjamin, Miles, and Nora), Kyle Johnson (Kelly and their children, Annalee, Ethan, Cora, and Wilder), all of Paducah, KY; and Amanda Auxier (Daniel and their son, Micah) of Midway, KY.
To know Lee was to feel deeply loved. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched-with her selfless heart, gentle spirit, and boundless love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and enduring love that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Center, or the Henderson County Public Library.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
