Johnna Taylor

1949 - 2022

Johnna Taylor

Johnna (Lee) Taylor went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on July 5, 2022, 72 years old. She died in her home attended by her family. Johnna was born on December 30, 1949, in Tulsa, Oklahoma as her parents, Johnny W. Lee and Helen (Gideon) Lee were transitioning from Neosho, Missouri to Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Johnna grew up in Bartlesville, graduating from Sooner High School in 1968 where she was a majorette for the Sooner High Band and was crowned band queen. After high school graduation, Johnna found her way to the University of Oklahoma where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and became a lifelong Sooner fan. She graduated in 1972 with a degree in business education.

Johnna's only sibling, Warren, married Gretchen in 1974, and they had three children, Kinsey, Keever and Kassidy. After Warren's passing, Johnna remained a beloved friend and aunt to the Lee family until her death.

In 1972, Johnna was introduced by a mutual friend to Jim Taylor, and they married on March 3, 1973, at the Lee family home in Bartlesville. Johnna and Jim were preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 3, 2023. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Jennifer Taylor Matson, Jamie Taylor Bianco, and Jacki Taylor. Jennifer is married to John, and they have two children Jordyn and Johnathan, all residing in Bixby, Oklahoma. Jamie is married to Chris Bianco, and they have two children Kate and Anna, all residing in Louisville, Colorado. Jacki resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Johnna is a lifelong music lover. She developed a taste for country music in her early years as she and her mother traveled to Avant, Oklahoma on Sunday afternoons where the Gideon family gathered to play banjo and guitar and sing country music. She also developed a love of Christian music, first at East Cross Methodist Church in Bartlesville and then at Asbury Church in Tulsa where she was an alto in the Chancel Choir from 1979 until Asbury took a break for COVID in 2020.

After graduating from OU in 1972, Johnna lived in Tulsa until 1974 when Jim's job took them back to Bartlesville. They returned to Tulsa in 1978 where they lived the rest of Johnna's life. During her whole married life, Johnna was a proud homemaker, taking great care of Jim and their children. For a brief period starting in 1990, Johnna reluctantly entered the business world when she was drafted to help Jim with his fledgling CPA business. She quickly acquired the skills necessary to run the office, type correspondence and audit reports, and process tax returns, all the while taking care of her family. Jim and his partner are forever grateful for Johnna's excellent service.

Johnna was devoted to her family. She was known as "Mom" until grandchildren arrived when she selected the name "Gigi" or just "Geeg". In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, Gigi also considered her pet dogs part of the family. She considered Bunny her first child. Then came Muffin, Laddie, Maggie, Teddy, Trey and Toby. She treated them all with the utmost care and affection. One of her dying wishes was that Jim take good care of Toby.

Johnna had a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She held leadership positions in Asbury's vacation bible school while her children were students and served faithfully in the alto section of Asbury's chancel choir for many years. She had a quiet personality and was never demonstrative about her faith but was devoted to reading scripture and prayer throughout her life. She always knew where her ultimate home was. Her family looks forward to seeing her again in heaven. Memorial donations may be made to Asbury Church in Johnna's name.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Mason Chapel at Asbury Church, 6767 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK 74133. Immediately following the service, the family invites guests to continue the celebration of Johnna's life at The Legends Clubhouse, 9669 E. 108th Pl., Tulsa, OK 74133. www.floralhaven.com