Jacqueline Johnette Oden-Brunson was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 30th, 1961, daughter of John Albert Oden and Elma Jean Grigsby Oden. As her older sister, Jamie Ramsey, described, “she came home that day as my present”, and Johnette has been a gift to the world every day since. Her family moved to several homes across the country growing up, including Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Miami, Florida, and finally Little Rock, Arkansas. While there she attended Central High School and was an active student, from serving as an officer of the High Steppers drill team to working a lively job at Swenson’s ice cream shop, and finally graduating Salutatorian of her class.
Johnette studied at the University of Arkansas where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English in 1983. It was there she also found her other “sisters” through her sorority, Chi Omega. She was a deeply loved member, mentor, and sister to this group of women, and was honored to be chosen as Vice President for the chapter. Johnette was also grateful to return to the University of Arkansas in 2016 to celebrate the renovation of the Chi Omega house and reconnect with several of her old friends.
After deciding to pursue law, Johnette moved to Dallas and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University in 1986. She began her career as a lawyer with Chantillis and Morgan. In April, 2000, she went in-house with Crossmark where she eventually rose to the position of Executive Vice President General Counsel. She was not only a devoted member of the executive team at Crossmark, but she was also a leader, mentor and friend to so many there.
No one was more dedicated to her work than Johnette; however, she directed that energy several times over into pouring her heart and soul into her family. Beyond being a loving daughter and sister, she treasured he role as an aunt to Melody Pearl and Andrew James Ramsey. One of their favorite early memories is that she made a little library of children’s books for them. The library came in a case that Johnette had colorfully decorated herself, and for each book there was a cassette tape on which she recorded herself reading aloud for them. That way, Aunt Johnnie could read books to them every night, even when she wasn’t physically present. Johnette also had a special relationship with Melody and Andrew’s father, and Jamie’s husband, Tad Ramsey, or lovingly known as “Tad Dad” because of his dear help and support to her particularly during the first few years of Hannah’s life.
Johnette’s most treasured role was that as a mother to Hannah Victoria, born November 30th, 1995. She counted Hannah as one of her greatest blessings in life, and the bond they shared was indescribable. She loved Hannah fiercely, and was her Superwoman every day. Johnette encouraged Hannah through every dance recital, piano competition, and school event big or small. She taught her daughter through example how to be smart, strong, loving, and accepting of others, but most importantly how to love and believe in herself. In 1999, Johnette’s parents, John and Jean, moved to live with her and Hannah in their current home in Rowlett.
Johnette gave love freely, and love had a way of finding her in return. She met Kirk Brunson while working at Crossmark, where they constantly connected over the coffee pot. Through their work together on several transactions, Kirk began to realize that Johnette was not just a typical smart lawyer, but a wise, pragmatic businessperson and counselor who knew how to apply the law. Even more, he came to know her as an intelligent, sassy and beautiful woman who unlocked a part of him that he hadn’t even known existed. They began dating in October of 2002, were engaged on New Year’s Eve, and married just six months later on June 7th, 2003. They shared the kind of love that’s unimaginable until you witness it yourself; he lighted up her life like no one else, and Johnette saw too how he was the perfect dad to Hannah. Johnette and Kirk encouraged each other in every aspect of their lives, spiritually, occupationally, intellectually, and emotionally, and shared more memories in their 16 years of marriage than most are fortunate to share in a lifetime. Through Kirk, Johnette was also blessed with her mother-in-law Patsy Brunson, sister- and brother-in law Lori and Johnny Walls, and nieces and nephews Chris and Amanda Brunson and Grayson and Lauren Holt.
Johnette lived every moment of her life to the fullest, and her immense love extended to several special passions. Johnette loved film, an interest sparked when she watched and discussed “The Deer Hunter” in an English course with a treasured professor. While she loved re-watching old favorites such as “Sense and Sensibilities”, “Pride and Prejudice”, and “Love Actually”, one of the weekend activities she looked forward to most was going to see a new movie with Hannah and Kirk, followed by a film discussion over coffee at Starbucks on the way home. Johnette and Kirk even won a trip to attend the American Film Institute Festival in L.A. in 2015, visiting red carpet events during one of their most memorable trips together.
Johnette loved to travel. She saw the world through a beautiful lens and not only wanted to experience as much of that beauty as possible herself, but wanted to help others feel that joy as well. From California to New England, the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, snowy mountains to sandy beaches, she would go everywhere with her family and friends, and always had another trip lined up around the corner. However, she had a special love for the ocean. The beach house she and Kirk shared on Topsail Island was her sanctuary, and she looked most at peace when curled up with a cup of coffee overlooking the waves and watching the seagulls and pelicans.
Johnette loved animals. She had a particularly fond heart for strays and those in need, and there was no animal too large, small, or broken she couldn’t care for them. Her first loves were her dogs Jester and Roxanne, but over time that love extended to countless cats, horses, cows, gerbils, a bird, and even honey bees. At times there were too many animals in and around the house to keep track of, but Johnette’s love only grew to match.
Most importantly, Johnette loved the Lord. She trusted in Him completely and lived her life in daily mission service to honor him. Many of these things were visible – teaching for many years in Awanas and young women’s bible class, mission trips to a South African HIV orphanage and home rebuilding in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward, and dedication to the Christ-based charities International Justice Mission and World Vision. But, most of her mission work was privately counseling and supporting young women and others in need. During her life she shared the love of Jesus and helped many find or strengthen their faith in Him.
Johnette is survived by her husband, daughter, mother, sister, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, three nieces, and four nephews, as well as several animals and countless friends. She loved all, and she was loved by all.
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