Full name: Johnetta Sisson Willhite Bell 82 years old (her mother also died at age 82)
My Aunt Johnetta was born in Mer Rouge, Louisiana on Christmas Day 1925 to Etta Mae Daniel Sisson and Albert Boudreau Sisson. Johnetta was their fourth child.
Her sisters were:
Dorothy Mae Sisson (1 Aug 1908 to October 1974) mentally challenged - she would have lived a full life had she been born in a future decade - perhaps Aunt Johnetta's courage came from this
Annie Claude Sisson Putnam (17 Aug 1910 to 18 Oct 1944) died young
Her only brother:
Albert Berton "Son" Sisson, Jr. (1 May 1915 - 18 Jan 1996) my dad
Johnetta's father, Albert, often said that he was able to give many things to his first three children, but because of the Great Depression and his failing eyesight, he was not able to give Johnetta the things he wished. Albert would often bring home to little Johnetta candy or little gifts that he could not afford to try to make up for the devastation of the Depression.
Johnetta had plenty of book smarts. It served her well. She also, unfortunately, suffered the same debilitating mental anguish of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson. Etta was a lifelong recluse after the birth of her mentally challenged daughter, Dorothy. Children like Dorothy were hidden away and ashamed of in those days. Etta hid along with Dorothy. After many years of study, Johnetta diagnosed herself with Social Anxiety Disorder. As a young mother in the 1960s, it took GREAT COURAGE to visit a mental health clinic. Such a thing was looked down upon in Louisiana. No matter, she kept up with the mental health sciences as it developed over the years. Many would not mention this in a memorial but my husband also suffered from crippling anxiety, my Aunt Johnetta was the ONE who helped him. Her courage to seek help at a time when such things were considered shameful simply can't be ignored.
She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt and friend despite her personal difficulties. I believe that she was the secretary of one of the Vice Presidents at Olinkraft. He valued her so greatly as an employee that he saw to it she worked in a private office away from the other people. She simply needed quiet and to be away from people to work her best. She was ever so grateful to him. I wish I knew his name.
Aunt Johnetta also wrote a series of delightful articles regarding the antics of her cats that were published in the local newspapers, although I can not find them. This memorial is a work in progress and I hope to add more.
She married William Calloway "Bill" Willhite, Jr. and moved to West Monroe. Together she and Bill had one son, William Calloway "Billy" Willhite, III., who died at aged 16 in a motorcycle accident, and twin boys, Fred and John Willhite, who gave her her beloved grandchildren. Aunt Johnetta never got over Billy's death at 16 or the devastation of her divorce from Bill Willhite.
Later she married Walter Carlbert Bell of West Monroe, who was one of my favorite uncles.
Aunt Johnetta's obit from The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) Wednesday - 6 Dec 2006 pg 15 follows.
JOHNETTA SISSON WILLHITE BELL
Mrs. Bell, 82, of West Monroe, Louisiana, died Monday, December 4th at the Landmark Nursing Hme after a lengthy illness.
Born December 24, 1925, in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, where she lived until her marriage. She then moved to West Monroe were she worked at Olinkraft until her retirement. She was a member of the McGuire Methodist Church. She was instrumental in founding the River City Humane Society for Cats.
Preceding her in death was her 2nd husband, Walter Carlbert Bell, and son, William C. "Billy" Willhite, Jr.
Survivors include two twin sons, Fred A. Wilhite and wife, Debbie, and John A. Willhite both of West Monroe. Also several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A special thanks to Dorothy Butler, her caretaker and best friend. Memorials may be made to the River City Humane Society for Cats.
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Miss Johnetta Sisson Weds William Willhite - from the papers of Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
A wedding of interest to their many friends here (Mer Rouge, Louisiana) was that of Miss Johnetta Sisson, daughter of Mrs. A. B. Sisson and William Willhite, son of Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Willhite of West Monroe.
The double ring ceremony was performed in the Mer Rouge Methodist Church July 27, 1947 at 3 pm by the Rev. D. T. Williams, pastor of the church, in the presence of relatives and a few close friends of the couple.
The bride's only attendant was her cousin, Mrs. Mike Luffey of Monroe. Mrs. Luffey was gowned in a pink bemberg street length dress with black accessories. Her corsage was of white rose buds.
The bride was lovely in a blue and white flowered print bemberg gown and used black accessories with a corsage of red rose buds. Acting best man was Mike Luffey of Monroe.
Mrs. Willhite is a graduate of Mer Rouge High School, class of 1942. She completed a business course in Monroe, and until a few days ago before she was married had been employed in the health unit in Monroe.
Mr. Willhite is employed as an electrical instructor in the Ouachita Valley Trade School in Monroe. After August 9, the young couple will be at home to their many friend in Monroe.
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Mrs. Willhite Honored With Bridal Shower - from the papers of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
On Friday evening between the hours of 7:30 and 10, Mrs. W. D. Stump, Mrs. Roy Carter and Mrs. Fred Moss entertained Mrs. William Willhite (nee Johnetta Sisson), a bride of recent date, at the home of Mrs. Moss.
Mrs. Moss' lliving room was beautiful in the arrangement of flowers used. Colorful zinnias and gladioli were used profusely.
In the dining room zinnias were also used.
Gifts of chine, silver, crystal, glassware and linens were on display in the dining room.
Throughout the evening, Misses Beverly Tolar, Betty Sisson and Gay McAdams assisted the hostesses in serving punch and individual ice cakes to the many guests who called.
My Aunt Johnetta was born in Mer Rouge, Louisiana on Christmas Day 1925 to Etta Mae Daniel Sisson and Albert Boudreau Sisson. Johnetta was their fourth child.
Her sisters were:
Dorothy Mae Sisson (1 Aug 1908 to October 1974) mentally challenged - she would have lived a full life had she been born in a future decade - perhaps Aunt Johnetta's courage came from this
Annie Claude Sisson Putnam (17 Aug 1910 to 18 Oct 1944) died young
Her only brother:
Albert Berton "Son" Sisson, Jr. (1 May 1915 - 18 Jan 1996) my dad
Johnetta's father, Albert, often said that he was able to give many things to his first three children, but because of the Great Depression and his failing eyesight, he was not able to give Johnetta the things he wished. Albert would often bring home to little Johnetta candy or little gifts that he could not afford to try to make up for the devastation of the Depression.
Johnetta had plenty of book smarts. It served her well. She also, unfortunately, suffered the same debilitating mental anguish of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson. Etta was a lifelong recluse after the birth of her mentally challenged daughter, Dorothy. Children like Dorothy were hidden away and ashamed of in those days. Etta hid along with Dorothy. After many years of study, Johnetta diagnosed herself with Social Anxiety Disorder. As a young mother in the 1960s, it took GREAT COURAGE to visit a mental health clinic. Such a thing was looked down upon in Louisiana. No matter, she kept up with the mental health sciences as it developed over the years. Many would not mention this in a memorial but my husband also suffered from crippling anxiety, my Aunt Johnetta was the ONE who helped him. Her courage to seek help at a time when such things were considered shameful simply can't be ignored.
She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt and friend despite her personal difficulties. I believe that she was the secretary of one of the Vice Presidents at Olinkraft. He valued her so greatly as an employee that he saw to it she worked in a private office away from the other people. She simply needed quiet and to be away from people to work her best. She was ever so grateful to him. I wish I knew his name.
Aunt Johnetta also wrote a series of delightful articles regarding the antics of her cats that were published in the local newspapers, although I can not find them. This memorial is a work in progress and I hope to add more.
She married William Calloway "Bill" Willhite, Jr. and moved to West Monroe. Together she and Bill had one son, William Calloway "Billy" Willhite, III., who died at aged 16 in a motorcycle accident, and twin boys, Fred and John Willhite, who gave her her beloved grandchildren. Aunt Johnetta never got over Billy's death at 16 or the devastation of her divorce from Bill Willhite.
Later she married Walter Carlbert Bell of West Monroe, who was one of my favorite uncles.
Aunt Johnetta's obit from The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) Wednesday - 6 Dec 2006 pg 15 follows.
JOHNETTA SISSON WILLHITE BELL
Mrs. Bell, 82, of West Monroe, Louisiana, died Monday, December 4th at the Landmark Nursing Hme after a lengthy illness.
Born December 24, 1925, in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, where she lived until her marriage. She then moved to West Monroe were she worked at Olinkraft until her retirement. She was a member of the McGuire Methodist Church. She was instrumental in founding the River City Humane Society for Cats.
Preceding her in death was her 2nd husband, Walter Carlbert Bell, and son, William C. "Billy" Willhite, Jr.
Survivors include two twin sons, Fred A. Wilhite and wife, Debbie, and John A. Willhite both of West Monroe. Also several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A special thanks to Dorothy Butler, her caretaker and best friend. Memorials may be made to the River City Humane Society for Cats.
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Miss Johnetta Sisson Weds William Willhite - from the papers of Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
A wedding of interest to their many friends here (Mer Rouge, Louisiana) was that of Miss Johnetta Sisson, daughter of Mrs. A. B. Sisson and William Willhite, son of Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Willhite of West Monroe.
The double ring ceremony was performed in the Mer Rouge Methodist Church July 27, 1947 at 3 pm by the Rev. D. T. Williams, pastor of the church, in the presence of relatives and a few close friends of the couple.
The bride's only attendant was her cousin, Mrs. Mike Luffey of Monroe. Mrs. Luffey was gowned in a pink bemberg street length dress with black accessories. Her corsage was of white rose buds.
The bride was lovely in a blue and white flowered print bemberg gown and used black accessories with a corsage of red rose buds. Acting best man was Mike Luffey of Monroe.
Mrs. Willhite is a graduate of Mer Rouge High School, class of 1942. She completed a business course in Monroe, and until a few days ago before she was married had been employed in the health unit in Monroe.
Mr. Willhite is employed as an electrical instructor in the Ouachita Valley Trade School in Monroe. After August 9, the young couple will be at home to their many friend in Monroe.
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Mrs. Willhite Honored With Bridal Shower - from the papers of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
On Friday evening between the hours of 7:30 and 10, Mrs. W. D. Stump, Mrs. Roy Carter and Mrs. Fred Moss entertained Mrs. William Willhite (nee Johnetta Sisson), a bride of recent date, at the home of Mrs. Moss.
Mrs. Moss' lliving room was beautiful in the arrangement of flowers used. Colorful zinnias and gladioli were used profusely.
In the dining room zinnias were also used.
Gifts of chine, silver, crystal, glassware and linens were on display in the dining room.
Throughout the evening, Misses Beverly Tolar, Betty Sisson and Gay McAdams assisted the hostesses in serving punch and individual ice cakes to the many guests who called.
Full name: Johnetta Sisson Willhite Bell 82 years old (her mother also died at age 82)
My Aunt Johnetta was born in Mer Rouge, Louisiana on Christmas Day 1925 to Etta Mae Daniel Sisson and Albert Boudreau Sisson. Johnetta was their fourth child.
Her sisters were:
Dorothy Mae Sisson (1 Aug 1908 to October 1974) mentally challenged - she would have lived a full life had she been born in a future decade - perhaps Aunt Johnetta's courage came from this
Annie Claude Sisson Putnam (17 Aug 1910 to 18 Oct 1944) died young
Her only brother:
Albert Berton "Son" Sisson, Jr. (1 May 1915 - 18 Jan 1996) my dad
Johnetta's father, Albert, often said that he was able to give many things to his first three children, but because of the Great Depression and his failing eyesight, he was not able to give Johnetta the things he wished. Albert would often bring home to little Johnetta candy or little gifts that he could not afford to try to make up for the devastation of the Depression.
Johnetta had plenty of book smarts. It served her well. She also, unfortunately, suffered the same debilitating mental anguish of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson. Etta was a lifelong recluse after the birth of her mentally challenged daughter, Dorothy. Children like Dorothy were hidden away and ashamed of in those days. Etta hid along with Dorothy. After many years of study, Johnetta diagnosed herself with Social Anxiety Disorder. As a young mother in the 1960s, it took GREAT COURAGE to visit a mental health clinic. Such a thing was looked down upon in Louisiana. No matter, she kept up with the mental health sciences as it developed over the years. Many would not mention this in a memorial but my husband also suffered from crippling anxiety, my Aunt Johnetta was the ONE who helped him. Her courage to seek help at a time when such things were considered shameful simply can't be ignored.
She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt and friend despite her personal difficulties. I believe that she was the secretary of one of the Vice Presidents at Olinkraft. He valued her so greatly as an employee that he saw to it she worked in a private office away from the other people. She simply needed quiet and to be away from people to work her best. She was ever so grateful to him. I wish I knew his name.
Aunt Johnetta also wrote a series of delightful articles regarding the antics of her cats that were published in the local newspapers, although I can not find them. This memorial is a work in progress and I hope to add more.
She married William Calloway "Bill" Willhite, Jr. and moved to West Monroe. Together she and Bill had one son, William Calloway "Billy" Willhite, III., who died at aged 16 in a motorcycle accident, and twin boys, Fred and John Willhite, who gave her her beloved grandchildren. Aunt Johnetta never got over Billy's death at 16 or the devastation of her divorce from Bill Willhite.
Later she married Walter Carlbert Bell of West Monroe, who was one of my favorite uncles.
Aunt Johnetta's obit from The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) Wednesday - 6 Dec 2006 pg 15 follows.
JOHNETTA SISSON WILLHITE BELL
Mrs. Bell, 82, of West Monroe, Louisiana, died Monday, December 4th at the Landmark Nursing Hme after a lengthy illness.
Born December 24, 1925, in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, where she lived until her marriage. She then moved to West Monroe were she worked at Olinkraft until her retirement. She was a member of the McGuire Methodist Church. She was instrumental in founding the River City Humane Society for Cats.
Preceding her in death was her 2nd husband, Walter Carlbert Bell, and son, William C. "Billy" Willhite, Jr.
Survivors include two twin sons, Fred A. Wilhite and wife, Debbie, and John A. Willhite both of West Monroe. Also several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A special thanks to Dorothy Butler, her caretaker and best friend. Memorials may be made to the River City Humane Society for Cats.
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Miss Johnetta Sisson Weds William Willhite - from the papers of Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
A wedding of interest to their many friends here (Mer Rouge, Louisiana) was that of Miss Johnetta Sisson, daughter of Mrs. A. B. Sisson and William Willhite, son of Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Willhite of West Monroe.
The double ring ceremony was performed in the Mer Rouge Methodist Church July 27, 1947 at 3 pm by the Rev. D. T. Williams, pastor of the church, in the presence of relatives and a few close friends of the couple.
The bride's only attendant was her cousin, Mrs. Mike Luffey of Monroe. Mrs. Luffey was gowned in a pink bemberg street length dress with black accessories. Her corsage was of white rose buds.
The bride was lovely in a blue and white flowered print bemberg gown and used black accessories with a corsage of red rose buds. Acting best man was Mike Luffey of Monroe.
Mrs. Willhite is a graduate of Mer Rouge High School, class of 1942. She completed a business course in Monroe, and until a few days ago before she was married had been employed in the health unit in Monroe.
Mr. Willhite is employed as an electrical instructor in the Ouachita Valley Trade School in Monroe. After August 9, the young couple will be at home to their many friend in Monroe.
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Mrs. Willhite Honored With Bridal Shower - from the papers of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
On Friday evening between the hours of 7:30 and 10, Mrs. W. D. Stump, Mrs. Roy Carter and Mrs. Fred Moss entertained Mrs. William Willhite (nee Johnetta Sisson), a bride of recent date, at the home of Mrs. Moss.
Mrs. Moss' lliving room was beautiful in the arrangement of flowers used. Colorful zinnias and gladioli were used profusely.
In the dining room zinnias were also used.
Gifts of chine, silver, crystal, glassware and linens were on display in the dining room.
Throughout the evening, Misses Beverly Tolar, Betty Sisson and Gay McAdams assisted the hostesses in serving punch and individual ice cakes to the many guests who called.
My Aunt Johnetta was born in Mer Rouge, Louisiana on Christmas Day 1925 to Etta Mae Daniel Sisson and Albert Boudreau Sisson. Johnetta was their fourth child.
Her sisters were:
Dorothy Mae Sisson (1 Aug 1908 to October 1974) mentally challenged - she would have lived a full life had she been born in a future decade - perhaps Aunt Johnetta's courage came from this
Annie Claude Sisson Putnam (17 Aug 1910 to 18 Oct 1944) died young
Her only brother:
Albert Berton "Son" Sisson, Jr. (1 May 1915 - 18 Jan 1996) my dad
Johnetta's father, Albert, often said that he was able to give many things to his first three children, but because of the Great Depression and his failing eyesight, he was not able to give Johnetta the things he wished. Albert would often bring home to little Johnetta candy or little gifts that he could not afford to try to make up for the devastation of the Depression.
Johnetta had plenty of book smarts. It served her well. She also, unfortunately, suffered the same debilitating mental anguish of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson. Etta was a lifelong recluse after the birth of her mentally challenged daughter, Dorothy. Children like Dorothy were hidden away and ashamed of in those days. Etta hid along with Dorothy. After many years of study, Johnetta diagnosed herself with Social Anxiety Disorder. As a young mother in the 1960s, it took GREAT COURAGE to visit a mental health clinic. Such a thing was looked down upon in Louisiana. No matter, she kept up with the mental health sciences as it developed over the years. Many would not mention this in a memorial but my husband also suffered from crippling anxiety, my Aunt Johnetta was the ONE who helped him. Her courage to seek help at a time when such things were considered shameful simply can't be ignored.
She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt and friend despite her personal difficulties. I believe that she was the secretary of one of the Vice Presidents at Olinkraft. He valued her so greatly as an employee that he saw to it she worked in a private office away from the other people. She simply needed quiet and to be away from people to work her best. She was ever so grateful to him. I wish I knew his name.
Aunt Johnetta also wrote a series of delightful articles regarding the antics of her cats that were published in the local newspapers, although I can not find them. This memorial is a work in progress and I hope to add more.
She married William Calloway "Bill" Willhite, Jr. and moved to West Monroe. Together she and Bill had one son, William Calloway "Billy" Willhite, III., who died at aged 16 in a motorcycle accident, and twin boys, Fred and John Willhite, who gave her her beloved grandchildren. Aunt Johnetta never got over Billy's death at 16 or the devastation of her divorce from Bill Willhite.
Later she married Walter Carlbert Bell of West Monroe, who was one of my favorite uncles.
Aunt Johnetta's obit from The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) Wednesday - 6 Dec 2006 pg 15 follows.
JOHNETTA SISSON WILLHITE BELL
Mrs. Bell, 82, of West Monroe, Louisiana, died Monday, December 4th at the Landmark Nursing Hme after a lengthy illness.
Born December 24, 1925, in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, where she lived until her marriage. She then moved to West Monroe were she worked at Olinkraft until her retirement. She was a member of the McGuire Methodist Church. She was instrumental in founding the River City Humane Society for Cats.
Preceding her in death was her 2nd husband, Walter Carlbert Bell, and son, William C. "Billy" Willhite, Jr.
Survivors include two twin sons, Fred A. Wilhite and wife, Debbie, and John A. Willhite both of West Monroe. Also several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A special thanks to Dorothy Butler, her caretaker and best friend. Memorials may be made to the River City Humane Society for Cats.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Miss Johnetta Sisson Weds William Willhite - from the papers of Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
A wedding of interest to their many friends here (Mer Rouge, Louisiana) was that of Miss Johnetta Sisson, daughter of Mrs. A. B. Sisson and William Willhite, son of Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Willhite of West Monroe.
The double ring ceremony was performed in the Mer Rouge Methodist Church July 27, 1947 at 3 pm by the Rev. D. T. Williams, pastor of the church, in the presence of relatives and a few close friends of the couple.
The bride's only attendant was her cousin, Mrs. Mike Luffey of Monroe. Mrs. Luffey was gowned in a pink bemberg street length dress with black accessories. Her corsage was of white rose buds.
The bride was lovely in a blue and white flowered print bemberg gown and used black accessories with a corsage of red rose buds. Acting best man was Mike Luffey of Monroe.
Mrs. Willhite is a graduate of Mer Rouge High School, class of 1942. She completed a business course in Monroe, and until a few days ago before she was married had been employed in the health unit in Monroe.
Mr. Willhite is employed as an electrical instructor in the Ouachita Valley Trade School in Monroe. After August 9, the young couple will be at home to their many friend in Monroe.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mrs. Willhite Honored With Bridal Shower - from the papers of her mother, Etta Mae Daniel Sisson
On Friday evening between the hours of 7:30 and 10, Mrs. W. D. Stump, Mrs. Roy Carter and Mrs. Fred Moss entertained Mrs. William Willhite (nee Johnetta Sisson), a bride of recent date, at the home of Mrs. Moss.
Mrs. Moss' lliving room was beautiful in the arrangement of flowers used. Colorful zinnias and gladioli were used profusely.
In the dining room zinnias were also used.
Gifts of chine, silver, crystal, glassware and linens were on display in the dining room.
Throughout the evening, Misses Beverly Tolar, Betty Sisson and Gay McAdams assisted the hostesses in serving punch and individual ice cakes to the many guests who called.
Family Members
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