Johnnie Henry Webster

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:21

Johnnie was born in Blackshear, Georgia, on November 14, 1932, to Edward and Arlie Mae Webster. He went home to the Lord on November 10, 2022, at the age of 89 years 361 days. He was predeceased by his parents and both siblings, Virginia and Bill.

Johnnie served as a heavy equipment operator during the Korean War, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1951. He completed his enlistment as a USMC Corporal on March 6, 1955. For his service, Johnnie received the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.

On August 4, 1956, Johnnie married the love of his life, Gwindolen Markham, and they recently celebrated their 66th year of marriage. They have two children: Darrell (Connie) Webster and Wanda (Gary) Taylor; six Grandchildren: Preston (Lori) and Aaron (Lauren) Taylor, Colin (Rebekah) and Hailee Fagan, Joshua and Jeremiah Webster; four Great-Grandchildren: Kennedy, Axel, Ellie, and Colter Taylor, and Sister-in-law Sybil Webster.

In 1962, Johnnie joined the Jacksonville Fire Department. He rose to the rank of Captain and retired in 1988 after 26 years of service. He was known as, “the best homemade biscuit maker on the fire department”.

On April 19, 1973, Johnnie enlisted in the US Army National Guard (Florida). He served 18 years, retiring on February 28, 1992. He proudly served his Country for 22 years.

Whether working at the Railroad, Jacksonville Shipyards, a farmer, gardener, beekeeper, vintner, Johnnie believed in working hard and staying busy. People enjoyed his crops, grapes, and honey year-round. He loved the outdoors and until recently, spent daylight to dark working his land. Most days, you likely saw Johnnie and Gwin sitting outside as you drove by their home.

Johnnie loved people and never met a stranger. His sweet spirit was always filled with joy. Johnnie was a self-taught guitarist. He loved music, mainly, gospel and country. From large gospel concerts that were frequent years ago, to singing in the choir and holiday specials; very often, playing the guitar and singing at home with friends as they sang Merle Haggard songs.

Most importantly, Johnnie loved the Lord. If you ever walked through their kitchen door in the morning, you most likely found Johnnie and Gwin’s Bibles open, beginning their day with God’s word and being faithful in prayer for so many people. Johnnie witnessed God’s plan with everyone and led many to Christ. He taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon at Jones Road Baptist Church. Johnnie was an integral role in the creation of West Meadows Baptist Church.

Heartfelt thanks to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida - Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, for the compassion and loving care provided.

A visitation for Johnnie will be held prior to the service on November 19, 2002, 12:00pm at Jones Road Baptist Church, 2506 Jones Road, Jacksonville, 32220. The service will commence at 1:00pm immediately following visitation, with Pastor Jeff Ray and Chaplain Percy Golden, JFRD, officiating. Interment following at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, 32205.

Flowers can be sent to Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, 32207 or Jones Road Baptist Church, 2506 Joes Road, Jacksonville, 32220. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org or Community Hospice of NE Florida, www.communityhospice.com/give.