Johnye Ruth Fine was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on September 27, 1945 to Colleen Culpepper. Johnye was lovingly adopted as an infant and raised by her parents, Orville and Johnye Mae Fine. As an adult, Johnye located her birth mother, Colleen, and the two maintained a very close, warm relationship until Colleen passed away in 2012.
Johnye was passionate about spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She was an active member of The Father’s House and numerous other organizations, including Young Women’s Community Guild, Christian Women’s Club, Children’s Theater, CASA, and Christian Motorcycle Association. Johnye retired as a Registered Nurse from the Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center.
Johnye was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a quick dry wit, loved to read Scripture and paint and write in her free time, and generously lent an ear or a hug to anyone who needed it, no matter how large or small the problem. Her absence, while rooted in hope that we will see her again, has left a void on earth that will not be filled.
Johnye is preceded in death by her biological mother, Colleen Culpepper; her adoptive parents, Orville Fine and Johnye Mae Fine; and her daughter in law, Joni Mendenhall.
Johnye is survived by her husband, John Coleman; three children, Robert Mendenhall Jr. and Jeanna Mendenhall; John Mendenhall and Amy Mendenhall; and Megan Graye; stepdaughter Lori Benson; four grandchildren, Jackson Mendenhall; Dodge Mendenhall; Mandi John; and Jessica Kimmons; and three great-grandchildren, Christopher John; Jay Kimmons; and Lorelai Kimmons.
A memorial graveside service will be 2:00pm Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Roselawn Cemetery. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Johnye’s name to The Father’s House, 15024 Hwy 71 South, Fort Smith, AR; or CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association), Chapter 378, P.O. Box 9, Hatfield, Arkansas 71945.
