Johnnie B. Hart was born September 24, 1916 at Rio Vista close to Dublin, Texas. Her parents were Walter Harrison Hart and Mary Belle McGrath Hart. She was the sixth child of seven. She had five sisters and one brother. All but one has preceded her in death. She grew up around Dublin and Victor and played basketball while in high school. She met and married Ottis Floyd Griffith on February 8, 1936. They moved to Forsan in the late 1930's. When WWII broke out she followed Ottis while he was in training until he was shipped overseas. Then she went back to Victor to help her mother with the farm until Ottis returned from the war. During this time she loved to play golf and always enjoyed watching the game throughout her lifetime. When Ottis returned from war they moved back to Forsan and their only child, Arlen O. Griffith, was born on May 24, 1947 in Big Spring. Ottis worked for oil companies so they lived in North Cowden, Kermit, Odessa, Hobbs, Monahans and finally retired on Lake Leon in Eastland County. Johnnie B. loved people and children. While Arlen was in scouts she was a den mother and she and Ottis continued to work faithfully with the scouts for many years. She was very involved in her church where ever she lived and was always there to help others. She was an avid Tech fan and loved to watch them on TV. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ottis, her son Arlen, her sisters; Ima Pair, Eura Thomas, Cecil Smith, Hazel Rouse and her brother Ray Hart. She is survived by one sister, Inez Goodson of Portland, TX. Her daughter-in-law, Janie Riley and her husband Ken. Two grandchildren, Chad Griffith of Coppell, TX, Lara Cooper and her husband Jared of San Angelo, TX. And one great granddaughter Landry Cooper of San Angelo. Step grandson, Scott Riley of Midland. Four sister-in-laws, Hattie Griffith and Betty Griffith of Big Spring, Rita Crenshaw of Alba, TX. And Gloria Hart of Irving, TX. Several nieces and nephews. Johnnie B. will be remembered by her friendly smile, her pretty blue eyes and the way she liked to joke with people. We are blessed to have known her kindness and her love. The family wishes to thank Legends Health Care and Hospice Compass for the wonderful care that they gave to Johnnie B. We especially thank Carla, Arcellia, and Arthur for their tender loving care. The family will receive guests at the home of Ken and Janie Riley on Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 2:00 until 6:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at Victor Cemetery. Local arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.,
