Johnnie Mae (Kilgore) Williams

Johnnie Mae Williams, humbly known as “Jimp”, graced the world with her zealous presence on September 10, 1944 to parents Reverend John S. and Jerdine Kilgore.  Both parents preceded her in death.

Growing up as a preacher’s “PK” kid, Johnnie devoted herself to the Lord at a very, very young age.  With that, she loved to sing gospel hymns and even taught herself on how to play the piano and organ (quite well).  This allowed her to later acquire the position as lead musician for the Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church before moving her membership to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she gladly carried out as an alternate (when needed).

Johnnie attained her primary education in Wellington, TX and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1962.  All throughout her high school years, she continuously won first place in UIL female vocals and orator/speaking competitions.  Soon after graduating, Johnnie relocated to Amarillo, TX with her first love / husband, Calvin Roland, Sr. whom they bore two children: Tanya Michelle and Calvin Roland, Jr. prior to his accidental death.  She later met her life-long love, Herbert Lee Williams and married July 1, 1967.  In this marriage, they conceived three children of their own: Mia, Tia and Tron.

Johnnie was an extremely talented person.  She cooked and baked very well.  She was a self-taught seamstress, songster, pianist, and an intellectual speaker.  But most of all, Johnnie was very kind-hearted and loved and believed in the LORD with all her might.  She was a person of integrity who said what she meant and meant what she said!  She was an outgoing social light who met NO strangers.  To have a conversation with her, there was a must to have a lot of time on your hands because she could & would talk your ear(s) off.

Although the organizations that Johnnie was affiliated with has since rifted, Johnnie was a faithful and vibrant member of the Daughters of Ozar Court #92 and Wonderful View of the Eastern Star associations.

Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. John S. and Jerdine Kilgore, her husband of 52 years, Herbert Lee Williams, her sons; Calvin Roland, Jr. and Herbert “Tron” Williams, and her brother, Lennon Stovall.  She leaves to cherish her memory: daughters, Tanya Michelle Roland, her twins; Mia & Tia Williams, grandchildren in order: Marquito Echols, Brittany Hayes, Essence Roland, Tiana Williams-Benson, Kyra Hayes, Ashley Roland, Calvin Roland III, Chelsea Hayes, Christian “Dior” Hayes, Kaaron Williams, Kianya Comer-Jeffries, Jordan Williams, Kristen Williams, Kini Satterfield, Kinia Satterfield and 20 great-grandchildren.  Johnnie was the eldest of her sisters who will also miss her dearly; Marie Moore (Houston, TX), Carolyn Rutland (Alfred) Jacksonville, FL) and Gloria Kilgore (Amarillo, TX).  Johnnie was blessed with many nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  Her legacy of a strong family unit will continue in our hearts.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.  Until we see you again…we love you…Dear – Mama – Nana

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