Dalton, GA - Johnnie Maurine Riddle of Dalton, GA, passed away at the age of 97 on the night of January 9th, 2026. She passed peacefully in her sleep into the hands of her Lord Jesus.

Johnnie was born March 16th, 1928 in Cohutta, GA, the daughter of Fred I. and Mary Mitchell Kimsey.

Johnnie graduated from Cohutta High School in 1945. After graduation and due to the war, a shortage of educators led her to become a school teacher for Cohutta Elementary School at the age of 18.

Johnnie married O'Dell Riddle on June 10th, 1945 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Rossville, GA. They were married 74 years. She is preceded in death by her husband O'Dell; her sister Marie Maples; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Cheri Riddle.

She leaves behind her daughter, Ellen Durham; her daughter and son-in-law Glo and Jeff Holbrook; grandchildren, Scot and Tiffany Durham, Melanie and John Jenkins, Stephen and Kirstin Riddle, Jeremy Riddle and Wen McNalley, Matthew Gunn, Riley and Jordan Gunn, Molly and Mason Martin; great-grandchildren, Dr. Megan Durham and Phillip Hearne, Andrew and Mea Durham, Wimberly and Dylan Kennedy, Parks Gunn, Easton Gunn, Elle Jenkins, Jesse Jenkins, Gilly Riddle, Everett Riddle; great-great-grandchild, Milo Kennedy. Other dear family members include Ward and Carol Satterfield, Janet and Wayne Swett, Marla Maples, Mitchell Hayes, Danielle Haynes, Shannon and Cathy Hayes, Jeff and Holly Kimsey, Jonathan and Tayler Fleming, Sandy Bridges, and Tonya Bridges. All of these and more knew her fondly as "Mama Johnnie."

Johnnie and O'Dell started Riddle Motor Company in 1953, where they were well-known for their principles and generosity for nearly 40 years. Johnnie won a national award for safety programs she wrote through the Pilot Club of Dalton. One of those programs accomplished the funding and construction of the Waugh Street Bridge.

Johnnie and O'Dell also started and operated an Appalachian donation ministry to Bland, VA, using the First Baptist Church trailer to deliver countless loads of life-changing food, furniture, and clothes to those in need for over ten years.

A celebration of Johnnie's life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 in the fellowship at First Baptist Church of Dalton from 2:00-4:00pm.

Memorial donations in Johnnie's memory may be directed to First Baptist Church of Dalton Library or Greater Works of Dalton. The family requests that flowers be omitted.

The family would like to thank Tapestry Hospice and Jewell Jackson's Senior Companion Caretakers whom Johnnie came to see as dear extended family.

Messages of comfort can be sent to the family at julianpeeples.com. Arrangements are by Julian Peeples Funeral Home Pleasant Grove Chapel.