Johnnie Mae (Evans) Speights

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Speights Reflection of Life

Johnnie Mae was born September 23, 1941 in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia. Her parents were the late Mr. Johnny Evans and Mrs. Hattie Taylor Evans. She was the sixth child of seven siblings. Johnnie Mae’s ancestors settled in the Black Creek Community where they lived for many years. The Taylor and Jackson families were among the founders of Second Macedonia Baptist Church, established 1867. Johnnie Mae’s education began in the Baldwin County Public School System, where it culminated in graduation from Boddie High School, Class of 1959. After graduation, Johnnie relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to attend business college where she met her first husband (James Lee Warner) and to their union four beautiful children were born. 

In 1961, Johnnie Mae relocated to Boston, Massachusetts where she raised and nurtured her four children. Johnnie Mae was very active in the Boston Public School System, attending various activities with her children.  Johnnie Mae was always acknowledged and recognized by many, and never met a stranger. During her 20 year tenure in Boston, Massachusetts Johnnie Mae was employed at the Department of Revenue, which she eventually retired, prior to returning back to Milledgeville, Georgia. 

In 1986, Johnnie Mae married her second husband Frederick Speights and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Johnnie Mae worked various part-time jobs, when desired, but prided being the GRANDE DAME housewife and nurturer of her 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren; and attending church services at First Baptist Church of Stewardship (Michael Sheets and Clarence Hampton II) Atlanta Georgia, and Christian Life Center Worldwide (Dr. Karl Miller Jr.) Rex, Georgia.

In her later years, Johnnie Mae cherished phone calls and visits she shared with her sisters and brothers. She was a shop-a-holic and enjoyed finding deals at various consignment stores throughout Atlanta. Johnnie Mae was dependable and loving, constantly being a shoulder to lean on for her children and grandchildren. There was never a problem she could not solve whether you agreed or not she was going to say what needed to be said, in a nurturing way.

Our beloved Johnnie Mae transitioned peacefully on February 4, 2024. Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by her son, Vincent C. Warner Sr., brother, Hershel Evans (Mary Frances Butts), four sisters Ruth E. Griffin (Floyd Sr.), Margaret Evans Pinkston Ford (Julian), Alma Evans Speights (Johnny Sr.), and Betty Jean Delgodo (Herbert).

Johnnie Mae is survived by many loving family members: husband, Frederick Speights of Hampton, GA; son, James Christopher Warner (Catherine) of Milledgeville, GA; daughters, Valeria Wilcox (Raymond) of Hampton, GA, Sharon Adams of Milledgeville; two step children, Franklin Speights (Rhonda) of Morrow, Georgia, Dearl Lyons of Fayetteville, Georgia; brother, Bennie Evans (Nina) of Milledgeville, Georgia; sister-in-laws, Doris Davis (Willie), Emma Speights of Milledgeville, Georgia; 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends.

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