Minnie Pearl Johnson Zellner (88), died on her birthday, October 18, 2018, at home surrounded by her family. She was born, October 18, 1930 in Bonifay, Florida to John Henry and Edna Pearl Strain Johnson.
After an ideal childhood, Minnie graduated from Bay High School in Panama City, Florida. In 1948, while working selling tickets at a movie theatre, the nineteen-year-old met a handsome “sailor boy.” She married John Bigelow Zellner on January 30, 1949.
Following John’s return to civilian life, they moved many times for work, including building housing on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands and the hydrogen plant in South Carolina. They resided in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they were founding members of the Left Allemander’s Square Dance Club. After several years in Homestead, they returned to John’s hometown of Inverness where they built their home. They would have been married 70 years on January 31, 2019.
The perfect Southern lady, Minnie welcomed friends and family with great food, a contagious smile and a lightning-fast mind. A pillar of strength, she lifted and pushed her husband, children and grandchildren to achieve their heart’s desires. She exemplified strength wrapped in warmth. Minnie was a charter member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Inverness.
In addition to her parents and sister, Mildred, Minnie was predeceased by her daughter, Debra Kay Zellner Micklitsch. Minnie is survived by her husband John, her daughter Sheila-Rae, her sister Nell Howard and five grandchildren: Jonathon Micklitsch (Karen), Mark Micklitsch (Vicki), Lance Micklitsch (Chin Pei), Nicholas Mohs (Samantha) and Alexandria Scogin (Zachary). In addition to her grandchildren, Minnie was beloved by her great grandchildren: Kristin, Logan, Waylon, Cody, Colton and Temperance.
A memorial service will be held at Chas E. Davis Funeral Home, 3075 South Florida Avenue, Inverness, Florida 34450 at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 27, 2018.
Add Comment