Johnna Beth Dennis, 54, of Wimberley, Texas met her Lord and Savior on August 15, 2023. Johnna was at home when she crossed over. She was surrounded by family and friends who loved her dearly. After a courageous batle with cancer, she was ready to go home and be with her mother and father.
Johnna Beth was born in Sherman, TX, on January 16, 1969. She was one of four children to John and Jo Dennis, the youngest and only girl of the family. Growing up with three older brothers molded her personality. Although she was the baby of the family, she was the glue that held them together. Johnna graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1987, from Texas A&M University “Gig Em” and went on to get her master’s degree in education from Texas State University “Eat’Em Up Cats!” She followed in the footsteps of her parents and taught thirty years with Wimberley ISD. Little did she know how much of an extended family she would gain while teaching in Wimberley. Just like her mother, Johnna had a special way of connecting with all students and making them feel they could be successful no mater what. She had a special place in her heart for her students and strived to make an impact on each one of their lives.
Johnna’s involvement with the community knew no bounds. In thirty years of service at WISD she held many positions, led the PIPS/TOPS basketball program, and tutored and mentored countless students and future teachers. Johnna volunteered and participated in the Barnabas Back to School Fiesta for five years. She was a member of Wimberley Presbyterian Church, where she served many different roles, including session, youth leader, and finance chair. Johnna traveled to Mexico, Florida, Arkansas, and San Antonio with youth from the church, and sometimes her Dad would join her. John Knox Ranch Youth Camp was a spiritual place for Johnna. She spent many summers at JKR camp as a part of the leadership team, having spent a week this past summer as Chaplin.
Johnna was a bright light to everyone she met. She was a jack of all trades. She was a brew master and a Lego master. She loved dancing, listening to great music, taking her miniature Australian shepherd Dolly on walks, hunting for rocks, building, drawing, taking pictures, traveling, drinking a cold beer, being at the farm, and watching Star Wars. One of her main motos in life was to CHOOSE JOY every day. She would always say “choose joy when you wake up in the morning, and it will serve you well”, as well as “drink water; it’s good for you.”
Johnna was preceded in death by her parents John and Jo Dennis. She is survived by her three siblings, Whit Dennis of Whitesboro, Texas, Jeffrey Dennis (Vicki) of Whitesboro, Texas, and Jason (Sundee) of Spring Branch, Texas, and her dear friend, the sister she never had, Sally Pool of Wimberley, Texas. She is also survived by ten nieces and nephews: Kayla Beth Kainer (Trent), Chasta Pierce (Shawn), Jaxom Price, TJ Harris, Jeffrey Harris, Trevor Harris, Travis Dennis, Hayden Dennis, Korbin Dennis and Larklin Dennis; three grand nieces, Bella Pierce, Cambri Morales, Lyla Beth Kainer; and three grandnephews, Bryce Pierce, Brock Pierce, and Davis Kainer. She is also survived by two aunts, Janice Dennis Smart of Denison, Texas and Bety Hancock Watson of Glenwood, Arkansas. Along with many cousins and countless friends.
There will be a family visitation at Meador Funeral Home in Whitesboro, Texas, on Sunday, August 20 at 2:00 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM.
Additionally, on September 9th at 10:00 AM, there will be a Celebration of Life for Johnna Beth at the John Knox Ranch in Wimberley, Texas. She chose this special place that was close to her heart
where her family and friends could come together and remember the great times they had with her. This will be an old fashion potluck and BYOB! A celebraon of a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Johnna Beth Dennis Educational Scholarship Fund in care of Kayla Kainer at Broadway Bank, 14710 Ranch Rd. 12, Wimberley, TX 78676.
Zelle Payments can be made to the following account information:
EMAIL: ADMIN@JBDSTRONG.COM
FIRST NAME: KAYLA
PayPal Payments made to @JBDStrong
You will be missed my friend!! Now run with the wind!! Love you!’
So grateful my momma had a beautiful soul like yourself to call her best friend. For that I was blessed to know you too. Fly high JB. ❤️
La mejor maestra, gran amiga. siempre con mucha energía, gran corazón y una persona que ha dejado huella en la educación de mis hijos.
This world will miss you “cuz”! We all are better humans for having known you.
I have not seen Johnna Beth in years, but she was so fun and amazing to coach in middle school. There was no doubt that whatever she pursued to accomplish would be done well, include fun, and endless energy. My prayers and condolences to all of her family and friends. We all have another angel to watch out for us. What a great blessing each of us received because we had the privilege to know her.
Just heartbroken to hear this sad news. Johnna’s Dad John and my sweet hubby Leland were best friends, football players and classmates through H.S. in Whitesboro. We visited in the Dennis home many times for class reunions. When Johnna Beth was planning to attend SWTSU, John called and asked if we would keep an eye on Johnna as she began her student days on campus. He brought her over to visit as she began at SWT. Of course, knowing Johnna as we watched her, she did not need looking after. Her skills and personality bloomed as she graduated and found her niche teaching in Wimberley and at Wimberley First Presbyterian. Johnna and John’s summer Mission trips to Mexico were always a highlight. Lifting up prayers of thanks for all they gave on earth and lifting blessings for the great reunion and gift they will be in heaven. Hallelujah! Praise God!
Jean Wood
What a remarkable teacher Johnna was! In many ways she was a trailblazer, one who left a indelible mark on students and colleagues alike.
You’ll be missed. There never will be another like Johnna.