Johnnie Sue Blackledge

Johnnie Sue Mize Blackledge, age 86, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 20, 2022. She was a longtime resident of Gulfport, MS.

Johnnie Sue was born February 5, 1936, in Weathersby, MS and raised in Magee, MS. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and teacher. Johnnie Sue enjoyed the life she and her husband James H. Blackledge made on the Coast of Mississippi.  They were often found boating, fishing, and gardening together. Johnnie Sue was the pianist at Burton Memorial Methodist Church for many years.  Her family has wonderful memories of gathering around the piano singing along as she played. She took pleasure in playing games such as Bridge, BUNCO, and Yahtzee with family and friends.

Johnnie Sue obtained her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern, MS, followed by a Master’s Degree from William Carey University. She began teaching in the Gulfport School District in 1957 and retired after 33 years as a classroom teacher. She touched many lives with her time here on earth.

Johnnie Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, James Harold Blackledge; parents, Audell Mize and Opal Franklin Mize; brother, Charles Mize; and son-in-law, Lanny Proctor.

She is survived by her 4 daughters, Kim Proctor, Joyce Struss, Teri Blackledge, and Lea Bellon; 2 sons-in-law, Richard Struss and Ron Bellon; 4 granddaughters, Laurel Struss, Sarah Jewel Proctor, Meredith Bellon, and Lucy Bellon; 2 nephews, Kenny and Robin Blackledge; 2 nieces, Brenda Bowman and Cynthia Hillman; and a host of other family members and friends.

A service will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street in Gulfport on Friday, June 24th at 11:00 a.m.  Family and friends are invited to visit from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Gardens. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Blackledge family.

Pallbearers: Beau Bennett, Kenny Blackledge, Robin Blackledge, David Stewart, Jerry Gardner, and David Hunt.