Johnnie C. Williams' Obituary
Johnnie (Kesterson) Williams was a beloved grandmother, mother, wife, aunt, sister, and friend during her incredible life of 93 years. Johnnie gained her angel wings on May 12th, 2022. Johnnie, a former resident of Longview for over sixty years, lived her remaining life in Carrollton, TX.
Johnnie’s wit was ever present and contagious. She was a fierce woman, holding fast to her beliefs, defending those she loved, and always seeking to better herself. She was a spunky lady who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her philosophy could be described as “nobody will tell you this but me.”
Johnnie always imparted a spirit of overwhelming love to first and foremost, her family. Johnnie’s love of her life was her daughter, Gayla. She cherished her grandchildren. She spent many weekends travelling from Longview to Carrollton, making memories with Brian, Blake and Brooke. Her usual tradition started with a trip to Toys R’ Us, a meal at I-Hop, followed by a slumber party with movies and snacks. Understanding her daughter had her hands full with these three children, she completed household chores to make Gayla’s week operate smoothly. As the children grew older, they insisted friends join them for dinner when their GrandJohnnie prepared fried chicken. Brian, Blake and Brooke, when you think of your GrandJohnnie, she hoped you would realize how much she loved you. She also desired for you to live a Christian life to its fullest. In her final years, her love for Gayla grew every day. Johnnie would light up and glow when she looked into the eyes of her daughter.
Johnnie was born in Graham, Oklahoma in March of 1929 to John and Edith Newberry. Throughout her childhood, this close knit family attended Sunday church. Johnnie sat with her parents, her older brother and three sisters. Johnnie grew up in a home that followed Christian beliefs that shaped her entire life. She remembered her home as full of love.
Johnnie graduated from Kilgore High School, where her biggest challenge was managing all of her suitors when they came “acalling.” Johnnie married Bill Kesterson in 1946, and they were blessed with their daughter, Gayla.
Johnnie married her long time high school friend, Jack Williams, in 2001. Johnnie and Jack could certainly “cut a rug” and enjoyed travelling in their motor home across the United States.
Johnnie spent a lifetime being a hard worker. She accepted her first job at the age of 10. She worked at the local Clarks Grocery Store, which followed employment from Wackers Five and Dime. In her adult years, she was the office manager of a Gastroenterologist here in Longview. She also owned Mary’s Dress Shop. Johnnie celebrated many retirements; her boundless energy and personality made it easy to gain employment. We were all amazed, when at the age of 89, she drove herself to a job in downtown Dallas. She charmed all of the workers in the other businesses nearby. A free lunch was often personally delivered, along with a security man checking on her frequently.
Johnnie was a faithful Christian throughout her life. She worked in the church in many different capacities, including church secretary and Sunday school teachers. She lived a servant’s life and modeled a servant’s heart. She loved on people with hugs, kisses and smiles and called them often and had long conversations. The people she surrounded herself with knew she would remember them in a special way on their birthdays. These people also received phone calls while they were travelling. Before Johnnie would go to sleep, she would call to make sure they had arrived home safely.
As a member of the “greatest generation”, Johnnie proudly expressed her patriotism and loyalty to her country. She considered herself blessed and privileged to be a citizen of the United States.
Johnnie enjoyed Wheel of Fortune and was quite proficient in solving the puzzles. She enjoyed her retail therapy at Dillard’s and when she finally stopped working, she enjoyed reading romance novels. She also enjoyed gambling; some of her nieces took her to Shreveport, not really understanding her enthusiasm. By 10pm, as the nieces were yawning, they came up with a plan and agreed to take shifts to ensure her safety. Thank you, Kae, for taking that last shift.
Here is her favorite that you may not be aware of….. She loved and adored cows. COWS. This attraction she had to cows had nothing to do with Hinduism. First of all, she enjoyed seeing the word, Cow, placed with the word Boys – the Cowboys. She loved those Cowboys running up and down the field. She watched many games supporting them.
However, this probably would be the main reason for her love of cows – cows provided the chief ingredient for Blue Bell ice cream. She could get emotional and express fighting words or looks if she though her serving was threatened.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Leona Rushing, brother, Warren Newberry, and husband, Jack Williams. She is survived by sisters, Eva Mock and Bertha Thompson, daughter Gayla and husband Keith Baxter, and grandchildren, Brian and wife Melissa, Blake and wife Kyla, and Brooke Baxter.
GrandJohnnie, was an appropriate name. You were grand in many ways. You ran the race set out before you. You are now resting in the arms of our loving Father, and you finished in a GRAND style.
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