Highland Cemetery

Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma

© Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Homes
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Johnnye McElroy McBee

February 15, 1922 ~ January 12, 2024

Johnnye (McElroy) McBee, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother aka GG, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 12, 2024, at the age of 101 years and 11 months in Durant, Oklahoma.

A lifelong resident of Bryan County, born in Johnston County Oklahoma at the family farm on Blue River, on February 15, 1922, to her parents, John W. McElroy and Bessie (Berry) McElroy. Her parents being strong advocates of education, moved to the Cobb Community so that Johnnye could attend the Cobb Schools from which she graduated in 1939.

It was while attending Cobb Schools she met the love of her life Jack McBee at the young age of 6 years old. She would tell stories of Jack twisting her curls in class to get her attention. They dated thru school and were married on June 6, 1942, in Durant at the minister's house. Both Johnnye and Jack were long standing members (over 70 years) of the First United Methodist Church of Durant. Johnnye's father was the custodian of the church from the mid-1940's thru mid-1960's.

Johnnye attended Southeastern College, graduating in 1943.

She had a 55-year career working in Durant, this included 5 years for Ben Siegel as his secretary and cashier, 30 years with Southwestern Bell Telephone, where she saw the transition from "number please" to dial phones and the move to the new office at 6th and Evergreen, retiring as Assistant Chief Operator

Upon retiring from SWB, she walked across the street to the Bryan County Court Clerk office, working another 20 years as a Deputy Court Clerk, under guidance of Louise Gentry, Beverly Serner and Sandy Stroud.

Johnnye loved the outdoors, watching all the deer, turkeys and squirrels at the farm and she and Jack were competitive at fishing, seeing who could catch the largest bass. They each have a large bass mounted, which each caught at Hickory Hollow, proving who was the best fisherman " Johnnye won!"

Johnnye and Jack were avid square dancers, traveling all over the US attending many square dances. She had one room at her home full of square dance skirts.

Johnnye loved a good game of dominoes and looked forward to playing dominoes with her Grandkids and Great Grandkids.

She served several years as the Secretary of Hickory Hollow Rod and Gun Club and also Secretary of the Durant High School Football Booster Club for 3 years.

Johnnye married Jack McBee on June 6, 1942 in Durant, Oklahoma and he preceded her in death on February 26, 2022, after almost 80 years of marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Windol McElroy Griffith.

Johnnye is survived by her son Noel and wife Linda of Plano, TX; granddaughters Mia Tangeman and husband Dave of Plano, TX; Kimberly Grogan of Plano, TX; Great Grandchildren Kyle Tangeman and Cody Tangeman of Plano, TX; Garrison Grogan and Kenzie Grogan of New York; Brother-in-law Dwaine McBee and wife Teresa of Mead and several nieces, nephews and many great friends from the telephone office, Court Clerk's office and the First United Methodist Church.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Brookdale (Oxford Springs) Assisted Living and Centric Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care for Johnnye.

There will be a combined Celebration of Life service for Jack and Johnnye McBee on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home Chapel, Pastor Allen Carson of First United Methodist Church in Durant will be officiating. Family Hour will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. before the Celebration of Life service.

A private family burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Jack and Johnnye McBee to the First United Methodist Church (5400 W. Main St) Durant, OK 74701.

Services under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 North 5th Street, Durant, Oklahoma 74701. www.holmescoffeymurray.com