Leona Birdella Johns

Leona Birdella Johns, age 82, of Nixa, previously of the Shady Grove community near Sparta, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2013. She was born in Blanchard, Oklahoma, on April 22, 1931, one of eight children of Charley and Jessie (Bowser) Freeman. She and Lesley C. Johns were united in marriage in Yuma, Arizona on March 23, 1946, and together they raised their treasured seven children. From 1966 until her retirement in 1995, Leona served as the pastry chef for the General Council of the Assemblies of God Headquarters cafeteria. She was a member of the Ozark Assembly of God Church and previously held her membership at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Sparta. Leona enjoyed her collection of dolls and angels. She also loved to embroidery, crochet and cooking for family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lesley C. Johns in 1988, a son, Thomas Lee "Tommy"� Johns in 1978, and two brothers, Roy Alois Freeman and Weldon Auvern Freeman, and a sister, Billie June Smith. Leona is survived by: Six children, Linda McHaffie of Ozark, Lana Johns-Stewart of Nixa, Les Johns and wife Melanie, Terry Johns and wife Joy, David Johns and wife Vickie, and Jimmy Johns and wife Angie, all of Ozark; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Charlene Lea Johnson and Zay Pauline Salyer of Bakersville, California, Helen Naomi Moody of Phoenix, Arizona, and Edith Louise Briley of Harrah, Oklahoma; nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Leona had a total of 105 immediate family members and the list continues to grow. She will always be remembered for her sparkling personality, her kind heart and generous spirit. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, May 13, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Rev. John McHaffie officiating. Burial will follow in Shipman Cemetery, Sparta. Visitation will be from 5:00 "� 7:00 PM Sunday in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.