Johnnie Mae Florence left her earthly body and transitioned to her eternal home on Thursday, February 10, after a short illness.

Johnnie Mae was born on October 14, 1944 in Millen, Georgia to the late John Henry Thomas and Fannie Mae Wiggs Thomas. At a very young age she became a member of the Fountain Spring Baptist Church and later on served as a devoted church Secretary for many years. She later became a member of Williams Grove Church of God in Christ. Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Williams Grove Church of God in Christ with Supt. Kenneth H. Thomas, Pastor.

Johnnie Mae attended Burgess Landrum High School and was a textile Supervisor worker at the following Companies for many years: Thomson Co. in Millen GA, Augusta Sportswear in Millen,GA, Ramstar Mills, Sardis GA and Stitch and Print of Twin City, GA. She was well known and loved in the Millen community. Her skills contributed to her being the family seamstress. She altered everybody's clothes whether they needed taking up or letting out. She was also best known for being a wonderful cook. She first learned to cook at the age of 7. Johnnie Mae hosted many holiday family gatherings at her home for decades. Family members often say her ministry was cooking and serving. Some of her most requested dishes were homemade peach cobbler, gravied pork chops, greens, peas, potato salad, dressing, potato bread, cornbread, yeast rolls and her signature secret recipe sweet tea. She would walk around and replenish cups and napkins and ask if you were full. And…You better say no. She was extremely generous and would give you her last. Known as everyone's favorite aunt and "Aunt Johnnie or Aunt Johnnie Mae." Her nieces and nephews were like her children. Johnnie Mae also had a green thumb. On any given Saturday, you could find her in her yard, making sure everything was perfect. Her flowers and plants were beautiful, grass always cut, yards weeded, and leaves raked and burned. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Thomas and Fannie Mae Thomas. Siblings Hosea Thomas, Norman Thomas, Earl Thomas, Marie Bowman and Julia Jackson. Johnnie Mae is survived by sisters Floria Miles of Statesboro, Brinnie Lewis of Millen and brothers Emerson Thomas of Columbus GA, James Thomas (Burnestine) Kenneth Thomas (Susie) of Millen, Michael Thomas (Liz) of Thomson, LaStarza Thomas of Chester GA, Rodagus Thomas, Sr. (LaQuitta) and a host of nieces and nephews. She was Jasmine, RJ and Justin Thomas's "Grandma Johnnie Mae" because of her Motherly image she displayed with their Father, Rodagus Thomas, Sr.

Visitation will Friday, February 18, 2022 from. 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.