Johnnie Mae Spikes Spain, 78, of Macon, Georgia, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Johnnie Mae was born on January 11, 1947, to the parentage of John Henry Spikes ("Joe") and Gladys Trawick Spikes ("Mull"). She attended Hancock Central High School and graduated in 1964. A gifted actress, Johnnie Mae was remembered fondly by her favorite teacher, Dr. Rebecca Dargan expressed, “her natural talent and skills in speaking set her apart as an intellectual, curious, unique, creative, and, above all, humorous performer.”  

She dedicated 30 years of service to Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA, and retired at the young age of 49. A brilliant woman, she achieved the highest GPA in her health services technician class. Her love of learning led her to continue her studies at Georgia College and State University.

A tireless worker, Johnnie Mae often held down two jobs to provide for her beloved daughter, Angel. She was known for her generosity and compassion, especially for young women pursuing careers in healthcare. She opened her home in the nurses' dorm at Central State hospital to many and mentored countless others with a blend of toughness and tenderhearted care.

Johnnie Mae was a spiritual maverick. She stepped away from her childhood church to pursue a deeper, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In 1977, she was ordained as a Holiness minister by Mother Daisy Mitchell at Miracle Healing Temple in Milledgeville, GA. Later, she joined Christ Healing Temple of Refuge, where she served faithfully on the Board of Directors until her health began to decline. Known as Prophetess Spain in church circles, she was a passionate and fiery preacher who loved the Lord deeply. As is said in our church tradition, Prophetess Spain could preach! Her dedication to biblical knowledge was unwavering, and she spent years studying under the guidance of Chief Apostle Ronald Harden, Ph.D.

Family was at the heart of everything Johnnie Mae did. After beginning her career, she became a pillar of support to her younger siblings, offering guidance, encouragement, and love. She especially cherished her mother, Mull, but shared an unbreakable bond with her father, Joe, whom she closely resembled in both spirit and appearance.

Johnnie Mae was also the family historian. She had an incredible memory -remembering even the birthdays of people in the community - and she was an avid poet and writer. A true Renaissance woman, she found joy in reading and staying informed about the world. Her love for CNN was well-known and dated back to the station's launch in 1980. Her father instilled in all his children the importance of being informed, and Johnnie Mae remained intellectually curious and engaged until her final days at Autumn Lane Health and Rehabilitation in Gray, GA.

“She was welcomed into eternity by her parents, John Henry and Gladys Spikes, her favorite aunt, Maude Spikes, and former husbands Emory Wright, Jr., and Charles Spain."

Left to honor and cherish her memory are: her devoted daughter, Dr. Angel Wright-Lanier (George) of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; her beloved granddaughter, Torrey M. Feldman, Esq., Miami, FL; sisters: Rhunette (Frank) Lewis of Sparta, GA, and Shearlene Walker (late Uella “U.L.” Walker) of Milledgeville, GA; brothers: Gus Spikes of Gray, GA, Matthew (Robert Ann) Spikes of Sandersville, GA, and William (Irona) Spikes of Gray, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends; her cherished childhood friend, Lois Dixon of Atlanta, GA; one of her dearest cousins, Janet Benson of Philadelphia, PA.

Johnnie Mae's life was one of faith, service, wisdom, and unwavering love. Her light lives on in the many lives she touched.