Leoma Mackey, 96

Leoma Mackey, 96 years, passed to heaven on Feb. 16, 2012 at her home with her family by her side.

Leoma was born Jan. 11, 1916 in Smallett, Mo., to Jess and Lila (Wilson) Johnson.

She lived most of her life in the Ava community and in southern California. On April 24, 1932 Leoma and Clifton Albert Mackey were united in marriage in Douglas County near Rome and to this union six children were born.

Leoma was a Certified Nurses Assistant. She had worked in Mansfield Hospital and also in the Ava Nursing Home. During World War II, Leoma worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles, Calif. Leoma was a member of the Sandy General Baptist Church. She was also a member of the University of Missouri Extension Club for over 50 years and former president.

She was an avid gardener, making her last garden at age 95 last summer. She also enjoyed canning and cooking, even making 13 pies one Thanksgiving. Her treasure in life was her family. Leoma was a caretaker for her mother, husband, two brothers, Argie and Archie and daughter, Gayla. She was always there day or night for them.

We would like to thank Juana Mackey for her devotion and love in caring for “Mom.”

Leoma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clifton in 1985; a son, Johnny Clifton in 2008; an infant son; a grandson, Jesse Anderson; a great-grandson, Blaine Bristol;  brothers, Everett, Urel, Oral, Deward, Argie, Herman, Henry, Marvin, Archie and Una Johnson;  four sisters, Thelma, Lela, Lena and a infant baby girl, Iva.

Leoma is survived by four children, Zola Loretta Anderson, Oak Harbor, Wash., Oleta Whynimia Watson, Pikeville, Tenn., Gayla Mae Mackey, Ava, Mo., and Robin Rocky Mackey and wife, Juana, Palmdale, Calif.; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 25+ great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Leoma is the last surviving child of her birth family.

Funeral services for Leoma were held Monday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. in the Sandy General Baptist Church with burial in the Sherrodd Cemetery in Taney County. Visitation was Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Mo. Officiating was the Rev. John Comer.

Memorials may be made to the Sherrodd or Spring Creek Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.