Johnnie Mae “Love” Applebery passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, faith, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.
Known affectionately by family, friends, and community members, Johnnie Mae lived a life rooted in service and love, offering warmth and reassurance to all who crossed her path.
Johnnie Mae was widely recognized for her generosity in the kitchen, where her cooking became a language of love. Her home was often filled with the comforting aromas of meals prepared not just to nourish the body, but to soothe the spirit.
Sharing food was her way of bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging and safety that many remember as a defining part of her presence. No one ever left her home hungry, and few left without feeling seen and valued.
Beyond her gift for cooking, Johnnie Mae possessed a deeply nurturing spirit that guided much of her life’s work. As a foster parent to more than 20 children, she opened her heart and home to those in need, offering stability, encouragement, and unconditional care.
For many of these children, she was a steady source of comfort during uncertain times, a listening ear, and a steadfast advocate. Her dedication to fostering was not simply a role she filled, but a calling she embraced fully, changing lives through patience, kindness, and love.
Her strong faith was central to who she was and how she lived. Johnnie Mae drew strength from her beliefs and shared that strength freely with others, often offering words of hope, prayer, or quiet reassurance when it was needed most.
Her faith informed her actions and inspired those around her, leaving a lasting impression on family members and friends who admired her resilience and grace.
Johnnie Mae is deeply missed by her beloved son, her five grandchildren, and her three great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her values and the memories of her unwavering love. She is also mourned by numerous extended family members, friends, and members of the community whose lives she touched in meaningful ways.
