Johnie Mae Graddy

Johnie Mae Graddy, 88 years of age, passed away September 22, 2021, at Founder’s Crest Memory Care home in Wichita. Johnie was born on February 13, 1933, in Melbourne, Arkansas. She was the younger of two daughters born to William Turner Clem and Mamie May (Felts) Clem during the depression. Johnie grew up in Melbourne, Arkansas and received her education from the Melbourne School District. She graduated with the class of 1950. Johnie continued her education at Arkansas State Teachers College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education August 13, 1954. During her time at college, she met her beloved husband Lee Gene Graddy. They were united in marriage on August 14, 1954, in Conway, Arkansas, just one day after Johnie graduated from college, and were happily married for nearly 67 years. Soon after their wedding, the couple saw an opportunity for success in Wichita, Kansas, where Lee found employment at Boeing Aircraft Company as an aircraft mechanic and Johnie started teaching in the Wichita Public Schools. Johnie taught 1st grade for several years and then 3rd grade at Minneha Elementary School. She loved teaching and made a difference in hundreds of students’ lives over her 32-year career. Johnie continued her education as she strived to be the very best for her students and received her Master of Education degree from Wichita State University in August of 1965. Johnie’s love of teaching was surpassed only by her devotion to her family. Her greatest pleasures in life came as she and Lee raised their two sons. Michael and David admiringly recall times spent with their mother while growing up. She made every occasion an event to remember. It was important that birthdays, holidays, concerts, and sporting events were celebrated with enthusiasm and the honoree made to feel special. She never missed sending a birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or anniversary card to every family member. And to their delight, cards to grandchildren always included a $2 bill. Johnie taught her boy’s to be respectful, honest, and kindhearted. She seemed to have a sixth sense, knowing when others were hurting or in need and always tried to help. She raised her boys to do the same. She never wanted to be in debt to anyone and always went beyond expectations to thank everyone. She was generous with gifts and with her time. It was common for the boys to have a $20 bill placed in their pocket for a little extra spending money, even as adults. She was always so proud of her five grandchildren and did not miss a single high school or college graduation ceremony. On Friday nights and weekends, she and Lee could be found cheering for the grandkids at their sporting events and rarely missed a game. Johnie enjoyed bowling and was a member of several teams in Wichita including mixed leagues with her husband. They enjoyed out of town competitions, especially traveling to Las Vegas and Reno for the National Bowling Championships. In retirement, travel became a source of enjoyment and some of their greatest adventures took them to Hawaii, New York, Florida, and Niagara Falls. Johnie loved good garage, yard, and estate sales. When running errands on weekends, her boys recall trying to distract her away from noticing a garage sale sign to avoid a stop. But Johnie loved the hunt for treasures and had a special skill of finding valuable items at bargain prices. After retiring, she turned her shopping skills into entrepreneur skills when she found enjoyment running an antique booth, sharing her treasures with others. Left to cherish the memories of Johnie are her sons - Michael Graddy and wife Christy of Kearney, Nebraska, and David Graddy and wife Alice of Wichita, Kansas; five grandchildren - Michelle Westerbeck and husband Dustin of Kearney, Nebraska, Aaron Graddy and wife Sarah of Crown Point, Indiana, Paul Graddy and wife Angie of Funk, Nebraska, Mallory Ashworth and husband Kevin of Derby, Kansas, Cole Graddy and wife Brooke of Wichita, Kansas; eleven great-grandchildren; niece - Ruth Forrest of Jacksonville, Florida. Johnie was preceded in death by her husband Lee Gene Graddy; parents - William and Mamie Clem; and sibling - Melba Forrest; brother in law - Cloyce Forrest; nephew - James Forrest. A memorial has been established with: Serenity Hospice Care, 3221 N. Toben St. #200, Wichita, KS 67226. Graveside Service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Lakeview Cemetery. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.