Ina Mae Johns

Helen Keller’s quote, “What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us,”  The memories we have shared and forever carry, the way she shaped our lives, and raised us, are a part of us that can never be lost. We hold it as dear treasures for our permanent possessions.

Our beloved Ina Mae Johns “Mama”, “Mamaw”, and “Mamaw Smokey”, went peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, June 10^th, 2024, in Midland, TX, just shy of her 98^th Birthday. She was born on July 21^st, 1926, in Rule, Texas, to Alford Calvary Gabrel and Lela Ann Henry. She was one of seven and the 3^rd born, in her close knit family; A.M.”Slim”, Margie, Ina Mae, Winona, Charlie “Pug”, Jean and Burl. The young family lived first in Rule, before settling in Odessa.  She missed her 1^st year of school due to polio, but her father’s watermelon tea and company, nursed her back to health, as she was definitely a Daddy’s girl! She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Odessa, all of her life! Her favorite book of the Bible was Philippians.  

She graduated from Odessa High School in 1945. In High school she began working for the Greyhound Bus Station in Odessa, TX, which would have a profound influence on her life and her families. As she worked there 35 years altogether, she did every task from ticket agent to shipping freight, to running the place. It was there that the love of her life, Dewey Bedford Johns “Johnny”, stepped off a bus, returning from serving in WWII, in the Marine Corp. After a short courtship, they were married July 1^st, 1948. She was a very faithful and loving wife during their 31 years of marriage. They settled into their first home on Foster Ave., where they raised their three children, Becky, Dee and Dale. It was from there, and the Bus Station, as the matriarch of the family, she took care of 3 generations of raising kids! Most years, working the, 12 am to 6 am, night shift, after caring for her family and children all day. As Becky and Dee grew up, they also became employed at the bus station. Becky doing the office work, and Dee buffing the floors every Sunday, amongst other things. Many of the grandkids have fond memories, spending their days at the bus station with Mamaw, as she worked and they played.  

Her zeal for life centered around her kids and grandkids and all that included; from running them to baseball, making her famous popcorn balls, giving needed discipline (which sometimes included a hairbrush) or teaching a life principle “time out with that old pouting hound dog, if you were being whiny, it always included her love. She was known for her selfless service to her family and also that look, that let you know “You better straighten up”. Her home was always stocked with, lemon drops, bananas, cookies or Cheeto puffs. She was always handing out toys to the littles and babysitting.

She had a passion for baseball, which she shared with her kids all the way down to the great-grands. Attending and shuttling kids to sports games and cheering them on, was her favorite.  She loved horse racing, soap operas, and cooking for anyone that stopped by. Reading the newspaper, the Bible, doing crossword puzzles, listening to Ray Price, as she drank her Folgers (straight black) and Odessa tap water.

Throughout the many years and changing needs of her family, she was there. Known for her open arms, heart and home, anytime there was a need, she was willing to fill it! Her endless support and kindness, marked her life and the forever memories of those grieving her now. 

Thank you for being here today, for sharing in our sorrow, and for celebrating the remarkable life of Ina Mae.

Ina Mae was preceded in death by her parents Alford and Lela; her husband Johnny; her son, Dale; sisters, Margie and Winona; brothers, Slim, Pug, and Burl; grandchildren, Dustin and Daniel. 

Ina Mae is survived by her children, daughter, Becky Johnson, and son, Dee Johns (Joy); sister, Jean; grandchildren, Andy Blackburn (Becky), Burt Blackburn (Christy), and Amanda Lunson (Elliott), Jason Johns (Brandy), Justin Johns (Brittany), Jaclyn Johns-McCabe,  Casey Johns; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild.

Funeral Services with burial directly following will be held on Thursday, June 13^th, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, Chapel, 6801 E, I-20BL, Odessa, TX, 79762. 432-362-2331. 

We want to express our gratitude to the hardworking and caring staff at Cimarron Place, Assisted Living, Midland, TX, for their care of Mom, especially Alyse and Brenda.

Memorials/Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.