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Johnnie Ballantine Farris, 82, passed peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 29, 2022. Johnnie was born at home in Bladen County, North Carolina on May 28, 1940, to Henry Hamilton and Mary Emma Ballantine. Johnnie was raised in Hamlet, North Carolina and was a member of the Hamlet High School class of 1958. Her classmates have been very near and dear to her heart all of these years and she has a special connection with so many of them. After attending Women’s College in Greensboro, North Carolina, Johnnie married the love of her life affectionately known as Junior Farris from Rockingham, North Carolina, in December 1962. Together they had 3 children.
Johnnie is predeceased by her husband, Jesse Leonard Farris, Jr, her brothers, James Henry Ballantine, Henry Hamilton “Hammie”Ballantine, Jr., her nephew John Ballantine, step sister Marcie Ann Sherill. She is survived by her three children, Len (Laurie) Farris of Laconia, NH, Michael (Annie) Farris of Matthews, NC, and Jacque (Will) Creech of Mooresville, NC; her half dozen grandchildren Taylor Farris, Drew Farris, Jessica (Noah) Dangar, Madeline Farris, Hannah Creech and Lily Farris, her sister Sue (Ed) Smith and stepbrother Jerry (Donna) Dilsaver.
Johnnie was known for her quick wit, beautiful smile with dimples and an ability to listen and encourage others. She had a spark of personality and a love for joking around. She was a busy stay at home mom organizing her kids many activities while attending UNCC to complete her Bachelor’s degree in 1980. Johnnie went on to become a sales representative in the gift sales industry. She enjoyed traveling around North and South Carolina and meeting the many gift store owners that became more like friends than clients. An early retirement to take care of her mother-in-law, Mary Farris, led to part time car shuttling job with our father, where they made good friends also known as their driving buddies. Eventually Johnnie became a full-time caretaker of her husband until his death in 2011.
Over the years Johnnie enjoyed many activities to include tennis, crocheting, playing cards, gardening, camping, her grandchildren and their achievements-large and small, and the time she was able to spend at the coast. She was a fan of lighthouses, fishing, crabbing and the smell of salt air.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Colonel Beatty Lakepoint Hall, 4330 Weddington Road, Matthews, NC 28105, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church TV ministries 200 W. Trade Street, Charlotte North Carolina 28202, https://firstpres-charlotte.org/give/ or a special act of kindness for a caretaker you know.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Charlotte is honored to serve the Farris family. Online condolences can be made at www.carolinacremation.com
Steve Sorsch says
Our prayers and love are with the Fsrris family during this time.
Scott Smith says
Michael, sincere condolences on the loss of your mother!! It is always a difficult time losing a parent and we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless!
Lorraine Weymouth says
Thinking of you Lenny and your family as you navigate life with moms passing.
Maudie Mclaughlin says
Prayers and condolences to Michael and his family. No loss is easy . May God strengthen you and your family in the days to come . May he fill the emptiness with the happy memories your mom share with your during the years🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿Maudie Frazier McLaughlin South Meck 1984
Janet Beaty says
Prayers for the family during this most difficult time. I remember her visits to Hope Mills to spend time with Will, Jacque, Jessica and Hannah. What special mom and grandmother.
Maria Boeke says
We wereso saddened to hear of the passing of Johnnie. I was her next door neighbor from 1990-2013. She and Leonard were great neighbors, letting our 3 children come to their house and help her and Mr. Farris in their backyard. They enjoyed her company as did all of us. She was full of stories and we were so blessed to have known her and have those years with her. She will be missed dearly. Our Love and prayers go out to all of her family in this difficult time. May her Memory be Eternal. Love, The Boeke’s
Carolyn Connelly says
Our sincere condolences to Jacque and her family as they grieve their loss. Our love and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Page and Carolyn Farris Connelly
Sheltra says
So sorry for your loss. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with your fanily .
Peggy Mulchi says
Our deepest sympathy to the Farris family in the loss of their mother, Johnnie. Our college days were filled with many great memories. We were next door neighbours in the married student housing at N.C. State. None of us had any money, but we had a good time.
Cherish the memories and know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers.