Johnnie Gay Powell Killian

Of Calico Rock, Arkansas

Johnnie Gaye Powell Killian, daughter of the late Johnny Pleas Powell and Iona Grace Birdsong Powell, was born July 25, 1939 in Pleasant Valley, Arkansas.  She departed this life September 16, 2020 in Calico Rock, Arkansas at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 22 days.  Johnnie was a proud member of the Calico Rock graduating class of 1957.  She spent her life as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and homemaker.  Her role as "Nana" gave Johnnie much joy and pride.  Johnnie had an artist's heart and soul.  She enjoyed painting and gardening, especially flowers.  She took that love of flowers and design and owned and operated Calico Rock Florist for many years.  After leaving the florist business, she went to work for Calico Rock School District in the Cafeteria, retiring after fifteen years. Johnnie had a passion for genealogy and accumulated family records dating back to the 1700s.  She was of the Cumberland Presbyterian faith and a member of Pineville Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.

Johnnie is survived by her husband of 63 years:  Bill Killian of the home; two children:  Stephen Powell Killian of Prairie Grove, Arkansas and Genna Gaye Killian Nave and husband Leland of Pineville; one sister:  Sammie Givens of Mount Pleasant; six grandchildren:  Reannon Nave Russell (Joe) of Melbourne, Rachel Nave Jones (Jeff) of Jonesboro, Samuel Hayes Nave (Blazi) of Stephenville, Texas, Shelbi Killian Kautzsch (Shawn) of Cottonwood, California, Josie Powell Killian of Fayetteville and Tess Payton Killian of Kennett, Missouri; seven great grandchildren:  Ashlynn, Roper, Legend, and Summer Jones of Jonesboro and Camden, Dawson, and Jaden Kautzsch of Cottonwood, California; two sisters-in-law:  Kaye Hester and Florence Killian both of Calico Rock; three nieces; four nephews and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother in law: Bill Givens.