Johnnie Pryor Bellsmith

Bellsmith, Johnnie Pryor
Johnnie Pryor Bellsmith was born August 7, 1917, in Carter, Oklahoma to Sarah Jane and John M. Pryor and passed away April 11, 2011, in Sun City West, AZ at the age of 93. Johnnie grew up in Oklahoma in the community of Highway, graduating from Highway High School in 1937. After graduating from Lamson College in Denver, CO, Johnnie worked for the State of Colorado. When her mother became ill, Johnnie moved with her to the lower altitude in Phoenix where she met Taylor W. Bellsmith. They were married February 18, 1940 and were blessed with a long happy marriage until his death in 1999. Johnnie worked at Holsum Bakery for eighteen years, Rainbow Bakery for six years, and retired from Sperry Flight Systems after ten years as a loan officer with their credit union. Taylor and Johnnie lived in East Phoenix until 1980 when they moved to Sun City West to retire. After Taylor's death, Johnnie worked part-time for Hamilton Prosthetics, retiring a second time on her ninetieth birthday. She continued living in her home in Sun City West until her death. Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Charles Taylor, her husband, Taylor, five sisters, two brothers, and her grandson, Justin Taylor Bellsmith. She is survived by Justin's wife, Kim, two great-grandsons, Nathan and Braydon, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Johnnie's memorial service will be held at Desert Garden United Church, 18818 N. 128th Ave, Sun City West, AZ, on Wednesday, April 20, at 11:00 a.m.