It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Della Knight Johnson, 66, of Columbia, South Carolina, who departed this world on August 19, 2024, following a long, hard-fought battle with lung cancer.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family. 

Della was born on April 13, 1958, in Savannah, Georgia to John and Elizabeth Knight. She was a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School and met her husband, Bo Johnson, in the late 70’s.  Their marriage was blessed with three children, Daphne, Jesse, and Slade, of whom she was deeply proud.  Della was a devoted mother and grandmother, finding immense joy in her role as grandma (aka, “gump” or “Grandma Della.”) to her two grandchildren, Lydia (11) and Alex (8). 

Della was a Spitfire, and growing up, she certainly had a rebellious side.  She had lots of friends and was afraid of nothing. This followed her throughout her life, and she’s been described as “sweet as pie and mean as a snake.”  Others called her as “a force,” “small but mighty,” and “tough with a heart of gold.”  If you knew Della, then you know no truer words have ever been spoken.  However, this tough exterior quickly melted away upon the birth of her grandchildren.  Her life’s purpose evolved into what she did best —being a loving, protective grandmother. 

In her youth, Della enjoyed playing pool.  She was a key player in many pool leagues, and boy was she good.  She also loved gardening.  She spent many afternoons in the backyard with her grandchildren planting and harvesting fresh vegetables.  But her greatest joys were probably cooking and hosting holidays in her home.  Della was the most wonderful cook and prepared fresh, delicious, southern meals from scratch.  She was truly unique, and there will never be another like her.  She was always the life of the party and loved reminiscing and re-telling stories (even if you’ve heard them a thousand times). 

Della is survived by her 2 sons, Jesse (Diane) Johnson and Slade Johnson; 4 sisters, Sybil Collins, Shirley Blitch, Dorothy Hunter, and Cookie Knight, a brother John Jr. Knight; 2 grandchildren, Lydia and Alex Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Della was preceded in death by her husband, Bo Johnson; her daughter, Daphne Johnson; her parents; 2 sisters, Lucretia Smith and Jackie Wooten; and a brother, Jeff Knight. 

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held immediately following in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home.