Jonnie B. Trussell

A service honoring her life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 9th, 2018 at Western Hills Church of Christ.  A visitation will take place before the service from 1:00-2:00 pm.

Jonnie was born on January 30th, 1932 to Mr. and Mrs. John “Virgil” Gilbert.  She had fond memories of growing up in Golden, TX with her two sisters, baby brother, and dear cousin Bobby Nell. She was a proud graduate of Golden High School where she played basketball and graduated top of her class.  She began her career in teaching after graduating college from East Texas State University in Commerce.   

While teaching Home Economics at Ferris High School, she met the love of her life, Donald Ray Trussell at the Homecoming Dance and they married on August 22nd, 1952.  They enjoyed forty-four wonderful years together before Don’s passing in 1996.

Jonnie taught in the Texas public school system for 32 years, most of those in Chapter 1 Elementary Schools in Temple.  She was a beloved second grade teacher and developed a passion for teaching children to read. The Rotary Club awarded her Teacher of the Year in 1987 for establishing Lanier Elementary School’s first computer lab program which focused on teaching literacy skills. 

Jonnie was a gifted seamstress, sewing everything from her lace wedding dress to doll gowns.  She was an avid sports fan and diligently followed her favorite team the San Antonio Spurs.  Her greatest joy was sharing in the lives of her two children and spoiling her three grandchildren, to whom she was an amazing teacher, storyteller, baby sitter, personal chef, role model, and friend.  Her faith was always steadfast and evident in the way she treated others – with love, patience, kindness, and always a dash of humor. 

Jonnie was preceded in death by her loving husband and parents.

Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are her son John “Stephen” Trussell of Temple, daughter Donna Eversdyk, and husband David of Lampasas, 3 grandchildren: Jill Collins, and husband Brennan of Coppell, Cliff Eversdyk, and wife Jennifer of Austin, Lynn Eversdyk of Killeen, two great-grandchildren: Asher and Karis Collins, and 3 siblings: Sue LaBay of Longview, Anne Weeks, and husband Ron of Tyler, and John Gilbert, and wife Susan of Fort Worth. 

Memorial donations may be made to Texas Kids Read at txkidsread.org, or the Love of Christ Ministry at locfoodpantry.org.