Johnnie Dempsey

Johnnie F. (Smith) Dempsey of Waldron, Arkansas, formerly of Booneville, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday, August 4, 2013 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Johnnie was born in Chismville, Arkansas to John Francis Smith and Ethal E. (Hunter) Smith. Johnnie was 98 years, 8 months and 26 days old. She was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Booneville, Arkansas. Johnnie was a strong Christian woman and she radiated with love when she would share about God. Johnnie was always actively involved in church. Johnnie was born in Chismville, Arkansas but grew up a short distance from there in Booneville, Arkansas. She met and married her husband Rex Dempsey. Johnnie owned and operated her own beauty shop from their home. She and Rex lived, loved and laughed together for many years. It was about 12 years ago when Johnnie relocated to the quiet and peaceful surroundings of Waldron to be closer to her family. At this time she started attending Unity Baptist Church near Waldron. She was strong in her belief and instilled this in her family. She was very family oriented and enjoyed her time with them. When Johnnie wasn?t working in her flowers, she enjoyed needlework of any kind and quilting. Until two years ago, at the age of 96, Johnnie still took care of her flowers, even using the weedeater. Johnnie leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Shirley Oliver and husband Donald of Waldron, Arkansas. Grandmother will forever be missed by her three grandchildren: Donna Latimer and husband David of Morrilton, Arkansas, Michael Oliver and wife Regina of Waldron, Arkansas and Alan Oliver of Waldron, Arkansas. Grandmother has also passed her legacy onto her precious great grandchildren: Aaron Oliver and wife Kristen, Tyler Oliver and wife Ashley and D.J. Latimer as well as one great great grandson, Keyton. Johnnie will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives were impacted by her including her many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and loved ones. Johnnie is preceded in death by her husband, Rex Dempsey, her parents, John and Ethal Smith, one sister Eulema Harp and one brother, Haskel Smith. Johnnie?s life celebration will be at Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Richard Lanmon officiating. Interment will follow in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Booneville, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. Johnnie?s pallbearers will be Michael Oliver, David Latimer, Aaron Oliver, Tyler Oliver, D.J. Latimer and Jerry Bob Metcalf. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Hutchens, Thomas Workman and Albert (Butch) Briggs. Johnnie?s visitation will be Tuesday, August 6, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.