Elizabeth Johnson

Elizabeth “Tiny” Zander Johnson, age 50, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening at McLeod Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.

Known to nearly everyone as “Tiny,” Elizabeth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was the definition of hardworking and would do whatever it took to provide for the people she loved. Throughout her life, she worked in factories, cared for others, and took on any job she could find not because she had to, but because she wanted to give her family the best life possible. She found so much joy in being able to spoil her children and grandchildren, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.

While Tiny held many jobs over the years, her greatest and most cherished role was being “Nana.” Her grandchildren were the center of her world. Whether she was cooking a favorite meal, sharing stories, laughing, or simply spending time with them, those moments brought her the greatest happiness. She was an excellent cook whose kitchen was always filled with love, laughter, and family.

Tiny attended Florence-Darlington Technical College, where she completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and later studied cosmetology. She had a caring heart and loved helping others. She enjoyed attending festivals, listening to music, dancing, singing and making memories with those she loved. One of her favorite recent memories was attending the Darlington Freedom Festival, where she spent the evening dancing and enjoying time with family.

She is survived by her loving husband of more than 30 years, Terry Johnson; her mother, Elizabeth Morris Gainey; her children, Tiffany Drew, Terry Johnson Jr. (Hailey), and Chris Johnson (Jazmine); her treasured grandchildren, Christian Johnson, Waylon Drew, Lainey Drew, Brinley-Wren Johnson, and Stetson Johnson; her siblings, Ron Gainey (Candace), Jamie Gainey, and Jacenda Burr (Chris); along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ronnie Gainey; her brother, BJ Gainey; her maternal grandparents; her paternal grandparents; her father-in-law, David Johnson; and her brothers-in-law, Keith Johnson and Kojack Johnson.

A funeral service celebrating Tiny’s life will be held at Belk Funeral Home in Darlington on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and at other times at her mother’s home, 1700 Swift Creek Road.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be made to a foundation supporting those affected by COPD.

Though many knew her as Tiny, there was nothing small about the love she gave. Her life was defined by hard work, selflessness, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She spent her life making sure those she loved were cared for, and the memories she created as a wife, mother, and especially as Nana will be treasured forever. Her legacy of unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.