DECEMBER 29, 1928 – MARCH 25, 2018
Johnnie Eleanor English Ritchie, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2018, after an extended illness. Johnnie was a devoted Christian wife, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Johnnie enjoyed life and was a positive influence on those blessed to have spent time with her.
Johnnie is survived by her beloved husband of over 65 years, Bobbie Ray Ritchie; two caring and devoted children Mike Ritchie (Jackie) and Cindy Braswell (Russell); five grandchildren Stephanie Schell (Andrew), Matthew Ritchie (Aron), Jared Braswell (Hannah), Jacob Braswell and Jana Ware (Ross); and four great grandchildren Landon Braswell, Sam Schell, Noah Schell and Nora Jane Ritchie.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George Washington and Ola McKinnon English; her brother George Dewey English and her sisters Elizabeth Franklin, Margaret Walker, Annie Katherine Arrington and Betty Jean Franklin.
Johnnie was born December 29, 1930, to George Washington and Ola McKinnon English in Clio, Alabama.
She attended elementary school in Clio, Al. She would often skip lunch using her lunch money to buy a chocolate soda at the Clio Drug Store soda fountain on the way home from school.
In May 1949, Johnnie graduated from Barbour County High School in Clio, AL as valedictorian of her high school class. She was also named as Harvest Queen, the winner of the high school beauty pageant. Her sister, Elizabeth, entered her in the contest and bought the dress she wore during the event.
Johnnie was working at Moody Hospital in Dothan, Alabama in the early 1953 when she met Bobbie Ritchie who was working on an elevator installation at the hospital for Otis Elevator Company. After a brief courtship, Johnnie and Bobbie were married at a local residence in Dothan on June 20, 1953.
Johnnie and Bobbie travelled the southeast due to Bobbie’s job as an elevator installer. In the mid 1960’s, the couple settled in Vestavia, AL when Bobbie was promoted to Southeastern Regional Construction Superintendent. Johnnie and Bobbie were active members of Vestavia Baptist Church. After moving to their new home in Hoover in 1968, they joined Green Valley Baptist Church. They have served the church and their Lord in various capacities since that time.
Johnnie modeled Christ-like behavior in all aspects of her life. She poured her love and invested herself into her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “Nonnie’s” legacy lives on through each.
Johnnie suffered a serious stroke in 1997. While this event limited her physical capabilities, it did not change her love for her Savior, family or friends. Nonnie was a devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother to the end.
On Sunday, March 25, 2018, Johnnie was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior. Free from the limitations of her physical body, she is reunited with family members who have gone before her and will be there to welcome those who come after.
While Johnnie will be missed by her family and friends, she will never be forgotten. To God be the Glory. AMEN.
The celebration of Johnnie's life will be at 1pm on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 12 noon. Burial will follow at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.
