Obituary for Johnnye Marie Starnes
Johnnye Marie Wells was born to Ernest and Lora Wells of Fort Worth on October 2, 1947. She grew up attending South Hills Baptist Church where she played piano and graduated from Paschal High School. Johnnye embraced a life of adventure when she married her high school sweetheart, John Starnes, Jr. of Fort Worth on February 13, 1967. The Air Force took the couple to Mississippi, Delaware, and Massachusetts and they continued to travel even after John’s time in the service ended. All-together the Starnes lived in eight different cities, citing Dallas as the only disappointment. When they decided to put down roots in Joshua, Texas, they raised their three children; John, Lori and Angie there.
Johnnye was a lady of many talents. As a young woman she attended secretarial school and went on to work for Howard Hill Walker and Coats in Fort Worth for over thirty years before retiring in 2012. Once retired she enjoyed spending time gardening, fishing, and sewing, especially when she was able to do those things with loved ones. Her family regrets that they are still unable to reproduce her delicious Thanksgiving gravy.
Throughout her life, Johnnye (“Nanny” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) was known as a generous and sweet hostess. When a family member had need, Johnnye and John were quick to offer whatever they had in response. The couple put on countless family get-togethers and sleepovers through the years. They enjoyed a good many trips to Galveston Island and Bolivar Penninsula where Johnnye delighted in the food, the beach, and spending time with her friends and loved ones. In 2016, Johnnye and John adopted Lily the Dachshund, a loyal companion and terrific watchdog.
Johnnye passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, July 14, 2022. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, John; her brother Ken Wells of Fort Worth; her three children and their spouses; her fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her dog-baby Lily; and a host of other friends and family members. She joins her parents Ernest and Lora Wells.
Johnnye was a lady of many talents. As a young woman she attended secretarial school and went on to work for Howard Hill Walker and Coats in Fort Worth for over thirty years before retiring in 2012. Once retired she enjoyed spending time gardening, fishing, and sewing, especially when she was able to do those things with loved ones. Her family regrets that they are still unable to reproduce her delicious Thanksgiving gravy.
Throughout her life, Johnnye (“Nanny” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) was known as a generous and sweet hostess. When a family member had need, Johnnye and John were quick to offer whatever they had in response. The couple put on countless family get-togethers and sleepovers through the years. They enjoyed a good many trips to Galveston Island and Bolivar Penninsula where Johnnye delighted in the food, the beach, and spending time with her friends and loved ones. In 2016, Johnnye and John adopted Lily the Dachshund, a loyal companion and terrific watchdog.
Johnnye passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, July 14, 2022. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, John; her brother Ken Wells of Fort Worth; her three children and their spouses; her fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her dog-baby Lily; and a host of other friends and family members. She joins her parents Ernest and Lora Wells.