Johnna Mae Himrod

Mrs. Johnna Mae Himrod 84, a fourth generation Hardee County pioneer and citrus farmer of Bowling Green, Florida passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Florida Hospital in Sebring. Her childhood sweetheart and loving husband Joe Himrod passed away 7 years ago. She leaves behind the following family members: The children include: Joe Bostick Himrod Jr. and wife Sherri of Bowling Green, Marci Bryan and husband Derrel of Lake Placid, Joni Crawford and husband Bruce of Bowling Green, and Patrice Strange and husband Tim of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. The grandchildren include: Derren Bryan and wife Diane of Bowling Green, Darci Orth and husband Jamie of Bartow, Jamie Crawford and wife Amanda of Bowling Green, Jenna Rowland and husband Lee of Arcadia, Aaron Himrod and wife Kristi of Lake Placid, LeAnna Himrod of Bowling Green, Colt Himrod , Madelin Strange and Ridge Strange of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. The great grandchildren include: Juliana Herrin, Jaden Orth, and Joeci Orth of Bartow, Dylan Crawford and Allison Crawford of Bowling Green, Jace and Jorren Bryan of Bowling Green, Weston Rowland of Arcadia and soon to make her appearance, Everli Himrod of Lake Placid. Sibling: Gayal Cathcart of Sebring. Johnna Mae is proceeded in death by her husband Joe Himrod and her parents Lincoln and Exie Cathcart as well as her sister Jean Cathcart Polk. Johnna Mae attended schools in Wauchula including the Popash School that her mother was principal of. She graduated from Wauchula High School as the valedictorian in 1948. She attended both Stetson University and Florida State University but decided to get married in 1950 and start a family. She was a member of the Wauchula Junior Woman’s club, the Wauchula Methodist Church and volunteered for various groups. She used her creativity to win many contests including a trip to Europe where her identification was confirmed by the Pinkerton Detective agency. At the age of 44 Johnna Mae returned to college, graduating from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught in Hardee county schools for 25 years. She taught elementary, art, and small group enrichment classes and was the director of ESOL, adult, and community education. She greatly enjoyed family adventures of Everglades hunting trips, their North Carolina Grist Mill, her home on Little Gasparilla Island, Fl and traveling. She assisted in researching and writing “In Search of Aaron”, a Himrod genealogy book that dates back to the early 1600’s in Germany. Johnna Mae was well known for her art and creative projects. She was an independent and bright personality that brought life to any situation. Her love of reading was lifelong, and she was rarely seen without a book. She leaves a legacy of intelligence, creativity, resourcefulness, and dutiful love to her family. She is greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hardee Ed. Assoc., American Lung Assoc., and research for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Wauchula Cemetery. Dr. Derrel Bryan will officiate.

Johnna Mae Himrod

May 4, 1930 - December 3, 2014