Johnnie Odessa Smith

Johnnie Odessa Smith "Granny" age 106 passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, at Twilight Nursing Home. She was born on a bright sunny Sunday morning in a farmhouse near Emhouse, Texas on July 4, 1920. Her parents were Charlie and Ethel Lewis Hollingsworth. She was the middle of five siblings. She attended school in Blooming Grove, graduating in 1937 as an honor student. Although small in stature, she played all the girls sports. In July of 1936 she gave her life to the Lord. She was baptized at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove and began a lifelong service to her Lord and Savior, Jesue Christ. Even in failing health she attended and participated in as many activities at Central as she could. Her family lived through the Great Depression. Since there was no money and she was too young to work, she held several menial jobs until she was 15. Later she worked for the City of Blooming Grove as secretary, as a Post Office clerk, and for Field Grocery Store and bookkeeper. She married the love of her life, Robert Bill Smith on April 4, 1940. Bill served over three years in the Army Air Corp (later becoming the United States Air Force) in World War II. When he returned, they moved to Dallas and both worked for Proctor & Gamble. After retiring they moved back to Blooming Grove. In August of 2020, at the age of 100 years old, she decided it was time to go to Twilight Nursing Home. She came alive while at Twilight. She took it upon herself to check on several residents daily, visiting them, taking them snacks and coffee. She would see someone sitting alone and go up to them, put her arm around them and say, "Jesus loves you and I do too." Watching the Dallas Cowboys was her favorite past time. She also loved going to her grand and great grandkids sporting events. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her daughter Jo McKee. Grandchildren; Rick Montalvo, Sandy and Roiger Mahoney. Great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; Ashley, Cory, Madison, Brittini, Marcos, Ryan, Faith, Zayne, Zach, Jessice, Melissa, Brandon, Aryanna, Aaron, Michael, Lindsey, Tristan, Sarah, Kaden, Lexi, Beau and Remi. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, her family at Twilight and her family at Central Baptist Church. Celebration of Life will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00am at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove. Viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00am. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery with Deacons form Central Baptist Church serving as pallbearers. A very special thanks goes to Arc Hospice and to Twilight Home in Corsicana. Memorials can be made to JOY at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove.

Johnnie Odessa Smith

July 4, 1920 - August 10, 2026