Obituary: Malisia Johnson Hedden

Malisia Johnson Hedden, age 64, of Clinton, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013.

She was born to the late Inez Johnson and Lee Johnson on March 18, 1949, in Oak Ridge.

Malisia had a successful medical career for many years, working in orthodontics before retiring in 2010. She was a member of Solway Baptist Church in Solway.

In her pastime, she enjoyed reading and writing poetry and was published by multiple sources and has poems listed in The National Library of Poetry. She also enjoyed crafting, collecting “Gone With the Wind” memorabilia, and traveling—particularly to the beach and the Rocky Mountain region of the western United States. Family and friends were Malisia’s passion and delight. She spent a great deal of her time with her grandchildren, and regularly attended their sporting and special events. She also loved to host and entertain during the holidays.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Alan Hedden; daughter, Gina Lynn Hatmaker; and two brothers, Johnny and Leon Johnson.

Malisia is survived by her children, Donnna Hatmaker Pratt of Knoxville, Cindy and Greg Anderson of Clinton, and Keith Newport and Charles Wooton of Johns Creek, Ga.; and her grandchildren, Rebecka Pratt of Knoxville, Hunter and Garrett Melton, and Haley Anderson of Clinton. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends, including her life-long best friend Jean Roberts.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 20, from 6–7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary, 158 South Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. The memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Tony Brock officiating. Online condolences can be left at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.

The family wishes to thank all of those who prayed, visited, and expressed concern during the last couple of weeks.

“It’s then that standing side by side, we’ll laugh, talk and hug, shout our praises for the Lord and how his miracles are worked. Because of him, my sadness smiles, because of him I know, that in the heavens, my angels are waiting to welcome me when I come home.” – MJH