Johnnie Gordon (Beeson) McVay

Johnnie Gordon Beeson McVay

July 25, 1921 – December 9, 2022

Johnnie Gordon Beeson McVay was called to her heavenly home on Friday, December 11, 2022 at La Bonne Maison Assisted Living Center in Sikeston, Missouri.  She was the daughter of the late Samuel Claude and Annie Tollison Beeson.  Johnnie was born in Morrilton, Arkansas on July 25, 1921 and had reached the age of 101 years.  Johnnie, her parents, and siblings moved to near Kewanee, MO when Johnnie was around 8 years old.  She attended grade school in Kewanee and graduated from Kewanee High School in 1940. At the time of her death, she was the oldest graduate of Kewanee High School.  On February  25, 1940, she married George Harp McVay. Johnnie and George moved to the Farrenburg Community in the early 40’s where they raised three children at the “home place”. 

Johnnie is survived by daughter, Marsha Diane McVay of New Madrid, Missouri and son George Byron McVay and his wife, Laura of Lilbourn, Missouri, and daughter-in-law, Linda McVay of Jackson, Missouri,  nine grandchildren, Samuel Emmitt McVay, Jr. (Amy),  Timothy “Tim” Mark  McVay (Sherri), Sarah Cenianne Norman (Jeff), Wallas “Samuel” Adams (Sondra), George Byron McVay, II (Leann), Robert Edward “Lee” McVay (Allese), Ashley Joann McVay, Gregory Darren Polk and Sherry ??,  26 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five sisters and three brothers.  Also preceding her in death was her oldest son, Samuel Emmitt McVay on March 20, 2011 while serving as a missionary at The Father’s House in Ghana, Africa.

Johnnie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior when she was 16 years old and was baptized at the “Washout” near New Madrid.  Also baptized that day were her Dad and her future husband George.  Her decision to follow Jesus led to a lifetime of service to her church and her community.  After George retired, she volunteered for over 30 years at Sells Rest Home in Matthews refusing to become an official employee.  She led the youth group at LaForge Baptist Church. She also led the Girls Auxiliary and youth program, taught many Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes and served New Madrid Baptist Church as a deacon’s wife.  Her quiet demeaner and diligent service to her Lord lead many to know Christ as their personal savior. 

Johnnie was known by her family and many friends as a prankster.  She “tricked” her youth group into picking her husband’s watermelons by telling them that it was ok for them to take them.  After arriving back at her home, she immediately informed George that the youth group had “stolen” his watermelons!  She used this teachable moment to make the youth realize that regardless of who is encouraging you to do something that felt wrong, you should not do it. 

Johnnie and George were known to host many functions for their friends at their home.  George often provided the fish, and Johnnie would cook it under his close supervision.  Video exists of George telling Johnnie, “Your grease is too hot! Turn down your burner!” She made people so welcome in her home that one of her favorite preachers felt comfortable taking his shoes off and laying down on the couch for a quick nap before heading home. 

It is hard to imagine all the things that Johnnie saw in her 100 years here on Earth, but all these cannot compare to the beauty and joy she experienced as she entered the gates of Heaven.  She lived her life as a testament to God and to her Savior, Jesus Christ.  Her greatest desire was to lead others to the Lord. 

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 5 pm until 8 pm. Funeral services with Revs. Jeff Polk, Gene Lancaster, Timmy Farrenburg, and Sam McVay, Jr. presiding on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 11 am.  Both the visitation and the funeral will be held at New Madrid Baptist Church, 1240 Scott Street, New Madrid, Missouri.  Interment will be at 2:30 pm at Garden of Memories in Sikeston, Missouri.

Memorials can be sent to New Madrid Baptist Church.

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