Dana Emmanuel Johnson

Dana Emmanuel Johnson, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and a longtime resident of Burns, Tennessee, died at home on March 22, 2026. He was born on August 2, 1961. 

Dana was known for his steady presence and generous spirit. A proud member of the Masonic Lodge, he valued the fellowship and sense of purpose it gave him. He found fulfillment in the outdoors, especially deer hunting and fishing — pursuits that reflected his patience and connection with the natural world. 

He was devoted to his pets, whose companionship brought him daily comfort and quiet joy. That devotion was in Dana’s nature: gentle, faithful, and rooted in care for those entrusted to him. 

Though his life was down-to-earth, it was rich in constancy and love. Dana showed up—for his family, his friends, and the simple rhythms of his days—with a loyalty that asked little and gave much. Those who knew him will remember the ease of his company, the warmth of his familiar laughter, and the calm assurance of his presence. 

As we remember Dana Emmanuel Johnson, we give thanks for a life shaped by kindness, humility, and grace. His spirit is carried forward in the lives he touched, and in the quiet places he loved—the stillness of the woods at dawn, the slow movement of water, the peace found in being fully present. May he now rest in that same peace, held in the care of God and remembered with enduring love.

Visitation: will be 2-6 Saturday April 4, 2026, and 11 – 1 Sunday April 5, 2026, at the Spann Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: Dana Johnson will be conducted at 1 pm Sunday April 5, 2026, from the chapel of Spann Funeral Home.

Memorials To: Dickson County Humane Society

Survived by:

Wife of 30 years:

Jenna-Lyn Ladd Johnson of Burns, TN

Son:

Christopher Michael Johnson of Columbia, SC

3 Daughters:

Caroline Elizabeth Wright of Bowling Green, KY

August Jane Wright (Zachary) of Charleston, SC

Katherine Erin Johnson of Spartanburg, SC

2 Brothers:

Kenneth Anthony Johnson of Monroe, NC

Sam Johnson Jr of Fayetteville, NC

2 Sisters:

Vidonne Colston

Ari Colston Johnson

Mother:

Hester Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina

Mother-in-law:

Caroline Ladd of Ogdensburg, New York

In-Laws:

Dennis & Peggy Ladd of Rhode Island

Kristen & Edwin Vosburgh of North Carolina

Brian & Ruta Ladd of Georgia

Andrew & Charlotte Ladd of New York

Scott Ladd of Florida

Edward & Darla Swan of North Carolina

Meg Vosburgh of South Carolina

Many Beloved Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

Preceded By:

Father: Sam Johnson

Brother: Darryl Christopher Johnson

Arrangements entrusted to Spann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located in Dickson, Tennessee.

Spann Funeral Home serves families throughout Dickson County including Dickson, Charlotte, Burns, White Bluff, Fairview, Bon Aqua, Lyles, and Cumberland Furnace, as well as other surrounding Middle Tennessee communities.