Johnnie Mae Rhoten

Johnnie Mae White Rhoten was born in Winnsboro, Texas, to General White and Sally Sarah Austin. She was the third of eight children and spent the majority of her 105 years as a proud resident of Winnsboro.

Johnnie Mae attended Dunbar Colored School in Winnsboro. After her schooling, she spread her wings and ventured beyond her hometown, exploring life outside of Winnsboro. She was blessed with two children, Greta Marie, who preceded her in death, and Freddie Tenel. Johnnie Mae later married Luther Dunlap and Roscoe Rhoten, both of whom also preceded her in death.

At an early age, Johnnie Mae united with Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ, where she served as a faithful and devoted servant until her health prevented her from attending. At Mt. Olive, she took on the roles of Missionary and later became the Mother of the Church. Her unwavering dedication to the Lord was her guiding light throughout her life, as she always put God first in everything she did.

Johnnie Mae was a pillar of strength and love in her community, often referred to as “the Village” or “the Acre.” Whether you were her child or not, she made sure you did right in her presence. Many adults today credit her with teaching them discipline and values, delivered with love and care. She had an extraordinary gift for showering everyone she encountered with blessings and tough love.

Johnnie Mae lived a long and full life, guided by God’s word and marked by her profound impact on everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Greta; her granddaughter, Marla; her great-grandson, Adrian, her sisters Mattie Christian, Joyce Williams, Irene Kelly and brothers General White Jr, Joe Billy White and James C White.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy her only surviving sibling, Robert Lee “Patty” White, Sr of Dallas, TX,  her son, Freddie Jones; her grandson, Eugene Leaks (Kim); and her grandchildren, Chyrel Smith, Larry Smith, Christi Smith, Johanna Liggins (Mark), Kevin Jones, Kimberly Jones, Brittany Lewis (Ashton), LaKeisha Roquemore (Greg), November Jacobs, Chauntae Bailey, Briana Jones, Montel Jones, Donald Castleberry, and 20 additional great- and great-great-grandchildren. Beyond her immediate family, she was affectionately called “Mom,” “Auntie,” and “Nana” by countless others whose lives she touched. Her love and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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