Faye Crain Johnson

Faye “Nan-Nan” Johnson, 82, of Statesville, an abundantly beloved member of her family and community, went home to be with her Lord and savior on January 21, 2026, at Gordon Hospice House, following a period of declining health. Born on November 5, 1943, in Oscar, Kentucky, Faye decided she was tired of waiting and burst into the world much earlier than her expected delivery date. Born at home to a family of modest means, she was wrapped in a blanket and placed on the open door of the stove to help keep her warm. Although she would always joke that she was “half-baked”, the reality was that she was cooked to perfection.

Faye never met her father, Morris Eugene Crain, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor after sacrificing his life to save members of his platoon in Haguenau, France during World War II. But his devotion to others was definitely passed down to her. She had an undeniably strong work ethic, working multiple jobs to help make sure her family always had what they needed - especially shoes because every kid HAD to have good shoes. Ultimately, she retired from Hunt Manufacturing/Elmer’s Products to enjoy her retirement with her husband, Henry Johnson, and her grandchildren.

Faye embodied the lyrics “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” She never once met a child she didn’t immediately love. Never. From children, grand-children, great grand-children, friends of all of the above, children in the YMCA or church nurseries, she was everyone’s “Nan-Nan.” There is a popular idiom about people willing to give someone the shirt off their back, well she could be the poster child. Anyone that visited was not leaving without something. Whether it was a sly placement of money in their pocket or purse, or a hidden toy she had picked up at a store or yard sale, you were not leaving empty handed. She was the Nan-Nan that would buy extra presents at birthday parties to make sure all kids had something to open. She will be missed by so many, not for the presents, but for her kindness and unconditional love.

A woman of deep faith, Faye was of the Baptist tradition. She started each day with Our Daily Bread and was reciting verses to the very end. Over the years, her devotion to the Lord was observed and impressed upon her children. What a wonderful foundation she laid for them to carry forward. Her family has peace knowing that she finally was able to meet her father in heaven surrounded by her husband, family, and many pets with all of her memories intact.

Faye is survived by her three children, James Dean Osborne (Patti) of Statesville NC, Susan Osborne Dietrich (Brian) of Cornelius NC, and Robert Eugene Osborne (Karen) of Statesville NC, along with twelve grandchildren, Kara Faye Hoffman (Nathan), Laura Campbell (Adam), James Osborne (Kayla), Matt Osborne (Brandy), Tyler Osborne (Gabby), Madison Malone (Madison), Brett Hudson (Logan), Zack Osborne, Chris Russell, Brittany Weeder, Mike Sanford, and Cole Page (Lexie), and nine great-grandchildren, Zelda, Decklan, Persephone, Eleanor Faye, Lily, Lucas, Lilli, Ivy, and Emma, and one brother, Lee Roy Floyd (Donna).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Johnson, grandmother, Ollie Lee “Momma” Lane, father Morris Eugene Crain, mother, Charlene Meeks, sister, Elaine Olds, brother, Howard Lee Meeks.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Nicholson Funeral Home, 135 E Front St, Statesville, NC. A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at Iredell Memorial Gardens, 2304 Shelton Avenue, Statesville, NC, where family and friends can gather to honor and celebrate Faye’s life.

Faye loved to work in the garden and adored flowers; however, she also loved her pets dearly. Feel free to send flowers or memorial donations may be made to Lake Norman Humane at the link below.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Johnson/Osborne family.