Johnnie Driver Obituary

Johnnie Mae Driver, age 90, of Marietta passed away peacefully July 20, 2025. Johnnie was born to Charlie Bonner and Iona Burke Bonner in Blakely, GA, and was raised around Early Co., GA. In 1953, Johnnie married the love of her life, Eugene Talmadge Driver, and the two were inseparable until Gene's death in 2013. Famous for her cooking, Johnnie received immense joy from seeing others enjoy her food. Whether she was serving Bethany United Methodist in the Fellowship Hall or making birthday and wedding cakes for her grandchildren, Johnnie excelled in crafting beautiful, lifelike cakes for all occasions. Her peanut brittle and chicken salad will be missed, but it's the loving hands and beautiful soul behind the cooking that we will miss most of all. Johnnie is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Eugene Talmadge Driver; infant daughter, Cynthia Driver; and three sisters, Mildred Thompson, Carolyn McCraine, and Ann Simmons. She is survived by her children, Teresa Smith (Bill) of Powder Springs, GA and Randy Driver (Cindy) of Wedowee, AL; siblings, Ray Bonner (Reba) of Phenix City, AL, Mary Phillips of Winter Haven, FL, and Jean Hill (Charles) of Leesburg, GA; grandchildren, Shane Smith (Suzette), Tina Nixon (Seth), Jordan Driver (Kelly), and Jeremy Driver; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Logan, Grace, Faith, and Abigail; adopted granddaughter, Kylie; great-great grandchild, Spencer; and many beloved extended family and friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 23, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and again, Thursday, July 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring Johnnie's life will be held Thursday, July 24, 11:00 AM at Davis-Struempf Chapel with Rev. Ralph Thompson and Rev. Terry Phillips officiating. Interment will follow the service at Kennesaw Memorial Park. Flowers are kindly accepted, however, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church at https://www.bethanyumc.net/ For anyone wishing to view the service, a livestream link is available on Mrs. Driver's Tribute Page at https://www.davisstruempf.com and will begin streaming at the above-listed service time.