Lydia Louise McJohnston

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Zola Newell McJohnston; her daughters Linda Beaver (Dan) and Karen Diane Sealy; Grand children Daniah Rutherford (Dusko Todic), David Beaver, Ryan Bevers, Lori Richards (Jeremy); Great grand children Kayla Rutherford (Charlie Stafford), Alyssa Rutherford, Noah Richards; Great great grandson Dutton Stafford; sister Virginia McCullum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers William Carter, Hamilton Carter Jr, and sister Mary Robinson. She was also preceded in death by her son John Wendell Mc Johnston and daughter Sharon Denise Bevers.

Lydia "Louise" grew up in Mobile, Alabama. She often told funny stories about her childhood. She loved to tell how she and her sisters would run along side the trains carrying soldiers on the way to WWII. The young men threw out their letters to be mailed to loved ones back home. Louise and her sisters would faithfully pick them up and carry them to the post office. They were very proud of their small patriotic part in the war effort. She talked about going to Oakdale Baptist Church every Sunday. She accepted Christ as a young girl and was baptized there. The highlight of every Saturday afternoon was when she and her sisters walked to the local movie theater. She always had an entertaining story to tell about her sweet memories from her early years.

Louise married her high school sweetheart, Zola Newell McJohnston, on May 31, 1951. Their marriage was a love story that lasted over 72 years. Even after all the years, their faces would still light up when the other one entered the room. Louise told lots of funny stories about their early days of marriage when Newell was in the navy and stationed in Boston. They went on to have four children. Three daughters Linda, Diane and Sharon and one son John. They began raising their family in California then moved to Texas in the late '60s. Later Newell's work moved them to Salvador Brazil, Guantanamo Cuba, and Saudi Arabia. She always had a funny story about life experiences in these countries. But, was most excited when the time came to move back home. They spent a number of years in Oklahoma before moving back to Texas to retire.

Louise worked for a number of years in the business office in BISD and later worked for Dow. She also worked in a medical clinic in Saudi Arabia. Then spent a number of years working at Tulsa Jr College before she retired. She was well known for her humor and excellent work ethic wherever she went.

Louise was a lover of desserts and all things chocolate! Every birthday and special occasion included gifts of Godiva, Ghirardelli or Lindt chocolate candy. One of her funny expressions was "If it's not sweet then it's not worth eating." She was also well known for her ultra sweet tea "Memaw's syrup". Louise was an excellent cook from an early age. Holiday meals were always a lavish feast including savory dishes and decadent desserts.

Louise "Memaw" was always the life of the party at every gathering of family and friends. Hours were spent laughing at her endless pranks, facial expressions, and humorous tales. She was loved immensely by family and all who knew her. She will be greatly missed but our sweet memories of her will live on forever in our hearts. We know there was a grand reunion in heaven when she joined all her loved ones that had preceded her.