Johnnie Julia Mitchell "Johnnie" Lavinghouze, 94, passed away peacefully May 23 ^rd , 2022, at home with her loving family and friends by her side.  Wonderful, kind, and very loving wife, mother, Nana, a  life-time registered nurse, and so much more to all who knew her and all whom she loved and cared for.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Gordon Mitchell "Mitch" Lavinghouze, Brandon, MS; her son Steven Lavinghouze (Laura) of Flowood, MS; her daughter Deborah Heard (Cliff-deceased) of Madison, MS; her granddaughter Kristina Heard of Madison, MS; her loving cousin Ashley Ogden (Christie) and Children, Jackson, MS; and many other nieces and nephews from her sister "Deanie" (deceased).

She is preceded in death by her parents, David Mitchell and Virginia Mitchell of Fayetteville, TN; and her sister Deanie M. Hanning of Jacksonville, FL; and her very loving son, Robin C. Lavinghouze of Houston, TX.

Johnnie was born June 10, 1927, in Taft, TN.  She graduated Taft High School and then attended Vanderbilt University nursing school.  She joined the army and served, attaining the rank of lieutenant as a registered nurse during the war.  After meeting and marrying Mitch Lavinghouze while serving in the Army, they came to Jackson, MS, where she worked as a surgical nurse for 50 years, employed at Jackson Surgical Group for most of those years. She was an amazing and wonderful Mother to their three children (all Ole Miss graduates), and wife to Mitch.  Her nick name for Mitch has been "Peter Pan". "So funny".  She was a tried and true "Rebel football Mom" and was so proud of all her children's accomplishments.  She loved their young cousin, Ashley Ogden and his family, for all the times they were together, and for all the many beautiful flowers and love he has given her for every occasion.   She supported and loved us all in every way possible. She made Christmas and all the holidays so special for everyone.       She loved her trips to stay with her mother in Fayetteville, TN, and trips to the "apple orchards" there with her mother in Fayetteville.   She loved to visit her son, Robin, in Houston before his death, and has been looking forward to being with him in Heaven. Her Faith was unbreakable and we are all at peace knowing she is with her Heavenly Father.  She has been singing HIM praises all during her illness. "Oh how I love Jesus", is her favorite hymn.   GOD has made her a witness to people, and we are blessed for having known Johnnie.  Her presence and the great things she represented to everyone will be forever in our hearts.

She enjoyed her many friends at FBC Womens luncheon prayer group on Tuesday's.    Plants and flowers were her favorite hobby, and she had a "green thumb" for certain. She loved all her "grand dogs" Jake, and Bubba, and Brinkley, Max and Bella.   Anyone that has eaten at her table can say she was a great cook and even greater hostess. People were always welcome and felt loved by Johnnie.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and love to all of Johnnie's loving nurses and companions during her illness, and to Hospice Ministries and their nurse, Jessica Halbert of Enhabit Healthcare.    Their care has been unmatched and wonderful, and we pray that GOD will bless them greatly for what they have done for Johnnie and all of our family.  A special thank you to Anita Greene and her sister, Pam Smith, Arial Green (Anita's daughter) who have all have spent so many long days and hours with Johnnie caring for her every need. And Ann Finley, Nellie Johnson and the others before, thank you all for your love and care and friendship.  We also would like to thank Nick Morgan for his kind assistance with the insurance and financial matters.  It is very much appreciated.

Visitation with the family will be held Saturday, May 28 ^th , 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home, 114 Burney Dr., Flowood, MS, with funeral services in the chapel immediately following the visitation.  Burial will be at Lakewood Memorial Park, Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS.

The family requests donations (in lieu of flowers) to be made to Hospice Ministries, Inc., 450 Towne Center Blvd., Ridgeland MS 39157; or to Highland Colony Baptist Church, 1200 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland MS 39157.