Johnnie Mae Proctor
"Plant your tate-ta, dig you late-ta!" "I bees 🐝 lovin you"
Johnnie Mae Proctor was born in Wellston, Oklahoma, on May 17th, 1938, to Lewis Samuel Proctor and Luella Lennox Proctor. She was the youngest of 12 children. Her parents settled down
and purchased the family home in Chickashaw, Oklahoma, where she attended Lincoln School
and became a proud Lincoln alumna.
Johnnie met and married Willie Carter Jr., and from that union came three children: Willie Carter III, who preceded her in death, Jimmie D. Carter, and Vaunita F. Carter, who also preceded her in death. The marriage dissolved five years later. She then moved to Sacramento, California,
where she met and married William D. Reese. From this union, one child, Della O. Reese, was born. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last, but unexpectedly soon after, she gave birth to her
youngest child, Derek L. Reese. An adventurous spirit, Johnnie moved to Denver, Colorado, for a brief time, captivated by the
scenic beauty. She later moved to Inkster, Michigan, near her beloved niece Wanda Smartt. Restless as ever, she returned to Reno, Nevada, where she decided to give love another chance and married Magellan Dozier, who preceded her in death. From this union, she gained her bonus children: Linda, Charlotte, Tyrone, Victoria, Maxine, April, Donetta, and Monica, who truly loved their "Step-Up Mom."
Johnnie dedicated many years to the healthcare profession, discovering a keen business sense that
led her to open her own home care for senior citizens, named December Doors. A trailblazer, she
became the first female and Black-owned group care home in Reno/Sparks, Nevada, with only an
8th-grade education. For nearly 25 years, her business thrived, allowing her to employ many.
Eventually, she retired, caring for her last two patients during her "Golden years," all while raising
grand and great grandchildren incessantly.
Even in retirement, she inspired and cared for many. In her final years, her beloved daughter, her
right hand always by her side, took care of her, traveling around the country and attending to her every need until her final transition into God's memory book.
Johnnie is survived by one brother, Willie Lee Proctor of Lawton, Oklahoma, three surviving children, seven bonus children, 22 grandchildren, and 65 great-grandchildren and several great, great grand. She leaves behind a
legacy of love, resilience, and trailblazing spirit that will be cherished by all who knew
Johnnie’s life, in a printed book
We design every page from Johnnie’s 40 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Johnnie.
Grandma and Tiff dancing to Migos
Dancing in the park with Grandma
Grandma's obituary video
The world Johnnie knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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