Johnnie Ruth Martin was born in Mobile, AL to Johnny P. Martin and Essie Mae Martin on December 10, 1931. She had seven siblings, 4 sisters, Beth, Edna, Lucille, and Betty, followed by 3 brothers, Jim, Jack, and Buddy. The family was raised on a dairy farm in Semmes, AL. She attended Semmes school and graduated from High School in 1947.
In 1951 Johnnie married Willie James (Buddy) Gibson, deceased. They had two children, Kathy Gibson Ellis (Mike, deceased) and Ricky Gibson, deceased. Johnnie is survived by her brother Buddy (Melba) Martin, daughter, Kathy, Grandchildren, Richard Gibson, Michael (Kelly) Gibson, Trey Ellis, Kara Ellis (Ryan) Dye, 9 Great Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Johnnie worked in food services most of her career, retiring initially as Food Services Director at the University of South Alabama and then from Gayfers Departments Stores as Director of the Copper Kettle in 1996.
Johnnie was a member of West Mobile Baptist Church where she was involved in meal preparation for Wednesday night services and meals for the needy. She loved her church family and would often travel with other seniors making trips to Israel, Hawaii, Alaska, and many destinations in the US. Most of all she loved her family and always enjoyed preparing holiday meals and having large gatherings in her home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Radney Funeral Home in Mobile on November 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM followed by a graveside service at Mobile Memorial Gardens. There will be no visitation.
