Obituary: Ethel May Johns

Ethel May Johns of Athens, Texas passed peacefully on May 18, 2018, in Tyler, Texas. She was 84. Ethel was born on August 9, 1933 to her parents, Leonard and Louise May, in Dallas, Texas. After the passing of her mother, she and her two brothers, Eugene and Roy May, went to live at the Corsicana State Orphans’ Home. She dearly loved the time with her new-found family and worked tirelessly in keeping the history and memories of the home alive serving on the Board of Directors as President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as providing philanthropic support.

As an adult, Ethel worked for Teledyne Corporation, where she served as an Executive Secretary and conducted landman duties securing oil and mineral rights. She was active in a bowling league and commercial softball while living in Garland. After retiring, she and her husband, Frank, moved to Athens where she enjoyed retirement while fishing at the Athens Fish and Game Lake and raising cattle including a treasured calf, Knock Knees, raised on a bottle.

She was active in her church, The First Presbyterian Church in Athens, until her health limited her attendance. She remained loyal to the work of God by being the constant supporter and faithful servant to others in need including children at the Presbyterian Children’s Home.

Ethel also volunteered with CASA of Trinity Valley and advocated for many children, helping them to find secure, safe, permanent, and loving homes. She was often referred to as “Grandma” by these children and established relationships with children and families extending long after the cases were closed.
Ethel’s legacy and intense passion for children and youth will continue in scholarships for students through Trinity Valley Community College for both Choir and Nursing, and Paris Junior College in Nursing.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Terri Wardle, and brothers, Eugene May and Roy May, stepdaughter, Susan Johns and niece, Sabrina May. She is survived by her husband, Frank Johns and stepdaughter, Karen Biggers and husband, Jim of Bonham, grandsons, Casey Robertson of Bonham, Texas, Christopher Wardle and wife Meghan of San Diego, California, and Matthew Wardle of Chattanooga, Tennessee; granddaughters, Tiffany Wardle and Kelly Goehring, and her husband Chris all of Caldwell, Idaho, and Kristi Yarborough and her husband Brent as well as three great-grandchildren.

Visitation with the family is Friday, May 25, 5 – 7 p.m., at Autry’s Carroll Lehr Funeral home with services on May 26 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, both in Athens. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. following the service, at Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas.