Born on November 15, 1934, Johnnie Golden learned early on that family was not limited by blood or expectations. Adopted at six weeks old by parents in their fifties, Johnnie always knew that family was what you made it.
Johnnie Golden was my Nonnie. Although that is not entirely accurate. Johnnie Golden was not only my Nonnie; she was our Nonnie. Nonnie loved all children, and long before she was a biological grandmother, she found her own grandchildren. And even once I was born, she continued to add more grandchildren. And so despite our seemingly small family of four on paper, we frequently enjoyed the vast extended family our Nonnie made. Growing up, holidays were an opportunity to celebrate with anyone who needed family.
Nonnie always wanted everyone to feel welcomed and like they belonged. From remembered holiday dinners, afternoons spent baking and sewing, weekends cheering at youth sporting events and countless swim parties, the cherished memories our “made” family members have shared confirm that she succeeded time and again.
This desire to help others manifested in countless hours spent volunteering for Meals on Wheels, the Corpus Christi African Violet Society (president), San Saba Garden Club and the San Saba Pierian Study Club (president to both), the Corrine T. Smith Animal Shelter, the Christian Women’s Job Corp, the Women’s Club of Brownwood, and others. Additionally, she sponsored Lyric Theater improvements to benefit downtown Brownwood.
Nonnie was also active in her Methodist church community. She served most of her adult life bringing many to Christ through her involvement with the Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School. She sponsored children for summer camp and hosted Bible studies and multiple swim parties for youth groups at her home. Nonnie endeavored to provide hope and comfort to others, often sharing her favorite scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
In her earlier years, she had a decades-long career as a caring and dedicated manager for Southwestern Bell. Upon her retirement she received two photo albums full of letters from employees and coworkers who were changed for the better from their time working with her.
Despite Nonnie’s desire to make all feel welcomed and loved, she was not afraid to speak her mind. Opinionated and headstrong, she was a woman of determination and a will of steel. If something needed to be done, Nonnie would be sure to see it happen.
Johnnie Golden was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. At home, surrounded by family, both blood and chosen, she entered into the Church Triumphant on August 26, 2023, at 88 years old. She was welcomed into heaven by her infant daughter, Janice Carroll Childs, and parents John Marcos and Dora Weldon. She leaves behind her husband Edwin Golden, daughter Sandra Mann, granddaughter Courtney Knight (with husband Miles Knight), great grandchildren Eamonn, Cullen and Aurelia Knight, sister Linda Ivey, nephews Rick Ivey, David Ivey, and niece Kathy Starnes. Her family will strive to continue Nonnie’s legacy of love until they meet her again.
She will be sincerely missed by so many whose lives she touched. I was honored and blessed to be her granddaughter. She taught me that family is what you make it, that everyone is deserving of love, and that good cooks make messes. Growing up, my family always said that I was Nonnie’s clone; no finer compliment could be given, but we all know that no one will ever compare to our Nonnie.
We invite you to celebrate her life with us on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at First Methodist Church, Brownwood, TX. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
