Johnnie L. Greene, a lifelong resident of the Groves and Port Arthur area, passed away, April 16, 2008. She was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and was a licensed realtor. Johnnie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and Order of Eastern Star. For many years she worked with Rainbow Girls Port Arthur Assembly #7.
Her greatest joys were always her home and family. She was an avid gardener who took special pride in her roses and loved mowing her grass. Those who knew her are aware that her favorite activity was dancing, especially to the music of Ray Solis at the Pompano Club. For several years she even danced competively and won trophies for her rhumba. She often said that she had a beautiful life and God had truly blessed her. Her husband, Van, worked for Mobil Oil which afforded them the opportunity to travel all over the world. They lived in Germany, England, and Australia abroad, as well as New York and San Fransisco stateside. She made friends wherever she went and these friendships endured over the years.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry McGarrahan and Pinkie Elizabeth White, her high school sweetheart and first husband, John T. LaBorde, and her second chance at love, husband Van R.H. Greene, Jr., and her daughter Julie Greene. Survivors include a sister Bert Matthijetz of Groves, daughter Karen LaBorde of Nederland, daughter Elizabeth Creamer and husband Don of Blacksburgh, Virginia, grandson Christopher Atkins, nephew Gregory Matthijetz and wife Doris of Georgetown, Texas, nephew Gilbert Matthijetz, Jr. and wife Peggy of Ava, Missouri, and a canine daughter, Tiffany Ann. She will also be missed by countless friends for whom her zest for life and smile were contagious.
Funeral services will be held at Broussard’s Mortuary, 505 12th Street in Nederland, on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Port Arthur. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the mortuary on Monday, April 21, 2008 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Johnnie’s family would like to thank Dr. Arsenio Martin and his nurse, Rachel for all the care and concern over the past years.
A special thank you to the four angels here on earth who gave countless hours of care and love and who became family-Ellen Dwyer, Gaylynn Landry, Wynona Haley and Yolanda Mitchell. Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or Houston Pekingese Rescue, 12402 Oak Plaza Drive, Cypress, Texas 77429.
