Obituary of Johnnie Rhodes Keith

Johnnie Rhodes Keith was born to John Wylie Rhodes and Larissa Carmichael Rhodes in Fort Worth, Texas on June 15, 1923, the youngest of three daughters. She attended Fort Worth public schools, and upon graduation from North Side High School, attended NTAC (now the University of Texas at Arlington), followed by further study at NTSU (now the University of North Texas), and TCC. She was an avid student of American history, particularly the period of the War Between the States, and Native American tribes and their cultures.She did extensive travel to Civil War battle sites with her grandchildren and nephew Mike.She was a member of River Oaks United Methodist Church for over 40 years, where she was active in the church, The Builders Class and United Methodist Women. She belonged to Julia Jackson Chapter 141 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; Six Flags Chapter,United Daughters of the American Revolution; Civil War Roundtable of Texas; Friends of National Parks at Gettysburg; The Civil War Preservation Trust; Museum of the Confederacy at Richmond; and the Confederate Memorial Literary Society.Over the years she held offices in her church, United Methodist Women and United Daughters of the Confederacy, and served on the Executive Boards of both the Methodist Women and UDC.She served in the 19th Air Division Headquarters at Carswell Air Force Base for 23 years and at the time she retired from federal service she was secretary to the Commanding General. She received many citations for “Outstanding Service” and “Sustained Superior Performance”. Mrs. Keith retired from the federal government in July 1979 with 35 years service. On her retirement day then Mayor of Fort Worth Woody Woods named the day “Johnnie Keith Day” in Fort Worth. Following her retirement from federal service, Mrs. Keith was secretary and personal assistant to two local business men for several years. She spent her retirement years traveling and working in the many organizations to which she belonged, as well as enjoying her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Keith lived most of her life in Fort Worth, but in recent years moved to Oklahoma City to be near her growing family in Oklahoma.Mrs.Keith was active throughout her life and will be missed by her loving family and many friends in Fort Worth and Oklahoma.She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Larissa Rhodes, and two older sisters, Thelma Forbes and Lanette Piasecki.She is survived by her son, Blain Keith and daughter-in-law, Debbie; her daughter, Teresa Strawther; grandchildren, Thomas Keith, Michael Strawther, Lisa Lotter and husband, Tim; as well as six great grandchildren and some very dear nephews and nieces.