Johnnie Lou Gresham

Johnnie Lou Roberts Gresham was born in Horatio, Arkansas to Bennie Elijah and Lura Evalen Roberts on September 19th, 1929. She moved to Baytown, Texas when she was in Junior High where she lived and loved for the rest of her days. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in May of 1947 and on the night of her graduation she went on her first date with the man that would become the love of her life, Cleo Franklin Gresham Sr. They married later that year in October and started their family. She was a mother of four but a mom to so many more. Her life was all about raising her babies and caring for her husband. She was a proud member of St. John’s United Methodist Church where she spent her time with family and friends. In her later years she had fun going on trips and spending time with her friends she described as “hanging with her Peeps”. She was proud to say she was around long enough to meet her great-great-grandchildren and would tell all who would listen about them all. Her favorite pastimes were reading, doing crossword puzzles, and watching game shows. Everyone was family to her and she could always be counted on to be there if you needed her. Johnnie was a best friend and confidant to all. She moved on from this earth to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 21st warm in her bed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Eldo Roberts, sisters Georgia Slagle and Eula Young, husband Cleo, son Cleo “Buster” Franklin Gresham Jr., grandson John Glenn Foster, and son in law David Shelby.

She is survived by her children, Melton Tomlinson and wife Bea, Lura Foster and husband Glenn, Bennie Shelby, Reba Eaton and husband Dan, and Marla Stephenson. Her grandchildren, Felicia Beck and husband Doug, Theresa Jackman, Clint Shelby and Madison, Stephanie Shelby and John, Kelly Shelby, Kala Hester and husband Sean, Rachel Ward and husband Jarrid, and Jay Stephenson. Her great grandchildren, Keith Heintschel and wife Jennifer, Heather Evans and husband Dylan, Kyle Kubasik and wife Lisa, Kaycie Petters and husband Cason, Cheree Shultz and husband Mark, Lindsey Jones and husband Arthur, Isis, Lily, and Kali Hester, Ashley Shelby, Jaxon and Azlyn Shelby, and Emma, Ava, and Jack Ward. Her great-great grandchildren Audrey, Georgia, Molly and Kate Heintschel, Tayler Zaras, Layne Petters, Mason Mattox, and Lilly Evans. As well as many many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, TX 77521. Funeral service will begin at 10 am, Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Navarre Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521.