Johna Bonnot

    Johna Rafferty Bonnot, 89, of LaWard, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on November 8, 2018, after an extended illness.     Johna, lovingly known as MiMi, was born in Liberal, Kansas on March 1, 1929 to Edward Rafferty and Agatha Printz Rafferty of Gruver, Texas. She graduated from Texas Women’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design and Education. Following graduation, she taught school in Dallas for six months before marrying her beloved sweetheart on March 3, 1951. Joe and Johna celebrated a life of 67 years together. From 1964 to 1984, Johna taught school in LaWard, Tx. She was a member of Jackson County Retired Teachers, and First Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher (Esther class) and a choir member. Johna volunteered at Helping Hands of Jackson County and was instrumental in forming the Mexican Baptist Mission. In addition to her love of serving the Lord, she used her godly gift of hospitality by opening their ranch home to friends and family.     Loved ones who remain are her husband, Joe Bonnot of LaWard; her three children; Carlos Bonnot and wife Wanda of Wharton, Jayme Bonnot Bickings and husband John of LaWard, Joe Lynn Bonnot and wife Sharon of Ganado, and son-in-law David Winkler of Meridian. Johna and Joe were blessed with 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, Charlie Smith was embraced as part of the Bonnot family.     Johna is preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret Bonnot Winkler of Meridian; sisters, Colleen and Pat; brother, Ed and parents Edward and Agatha Rafferty.     Visitation will be Saturday, November 10, from 5 -7 p.m. in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Service is to begin at 2 p.m., on Sunday, November 11, 2018, in the First Baptist Church of Edna; Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery of Edna. Reverend Robert Krause will be officiating.     Pallbearers are Shane, Joby, Clayton Bonnot, Christian, Steven, and Conrad Bickings, Justin and Jacob Bonnot, Jonathan and Joe Barrett Winkler.     The family would like to offer a special thank you to Johna’s caregivers- Mary, Rebecca, Ruby, Nancy, Patsy, Gwen, Sabrina, and Carlos L.     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Edna, 309 Cottonwood St, Edna, Texas 77957, or South Texas Children’s Home, 9243 FM 1465, Pettus, Texas 78146 or online at www.stchm.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.