Juanita May Johnson Markham

Markham, Juanita May Johnson Age 93, of Albuquerque, NM passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2013 in Albuquerque, NM. Juanita was born October 8, 1919 in Pelahatchie, MS, to Lester Harper Johnson and Bessie Fay Owen Johnson. She moved to Allison, TX when she was 10 years old and graduated from high school there in 1937. She married Ralph Markham on July 21, 1937 in Wheeler, TX. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Markham; her son, Gene Markham; and daughter-in-law, Paula; her granddaughter, Denise Lee Markham; her brother, Roy Harold Johnson; and sister-in-law, Mable Alice. She is survived by two sons, Jack Markham and wife Evelyn of Albuquerque, NM and John Markham and wife Joan of Roswell, NM; five grandchildren, and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three nieces, Wanda Wyatt of Borger, TX, Debbie Hunt of Amarillo, TX and Lillian Hobbs of Oklahoma; and longtime friend, Johnie Zurick of Dalhart, TX. Juanita and Ralph traveled a 72 year journey together that took them across the Panhandle of Texas and across New Mexico to Gallup, then to Tahlequah, OK, then back to Allison, TX and finally back to New Mexico. Juanita was a constant, loving companion of Ralph while he administered public schools, dairy farmed, or ranched. She loved to sing, dance and visit with neighbors and friends. She was an excellent down home cook and a seamstress. Before moving to Oklahoma, she became a teacher's aide in the BIA schools in the Gallup, NM area, where she formed a lasting attachment and respect for the Navajo children and Navajo people. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Allison, TX, with Rev. Michael Brunk, officiating. Juanita together with Ralph will be buried in Zybach Cemetery near Allison, TX. Cremation has taken place. Juanita's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services ALAMEDA MORTUARY 9420 Fourth St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-3160