Johnie Violet Blue

Johnie Violet Blue (90) died May12th in her Destin home, surrounded by her family. She was born February 11, 1933 in Red Level, AL to Thomas Alton and Easter Cross Whiddon. She resided in Crestview, FL, and Pensacola, FL. Following her marriage to Ferrell Lloyd Blue, Sr., she settled in Baker, FL where together they raised their four children. For years they owned and operated Blue's Garage where she served as bookkeeper, back up mechanic and sometimes even drove the tow truck. In 1994, Johnie relocated to Destin where she began many years of making the world around her more beautiful, through public service, gardening, and creative needle work. Her cross-stitch and embroidery often became framed works of art. Never one to be idle, she crocheted scores of baby blankets for family, charities and hospital nurseries. Her love of flowers was legendary. She was especially fond of planting patches of violets anywhere she could find a spot, earning an award for her beautiful yard from the City of Destin. Johnie became an accomplished bowler as a member of a local bowling league. She adored her pet bird, Buddy, who brightened her days. But above all, she loved to dance. Johnie took great joy working with children as a teacher's aide at Destin Elementary for nine years, where she was "Nana" to a generation of students. She was the "Honorary Grand Marshall" of Destin's Christmas Parade in 2000 and was voted Destin's Senior Citizen of the Year in 2007. She also served her community as a volunteer at the Destin History and Fishing Museum. She was preceded in death by Ferrell, her husband of 49 years, her brothers, Chet and Bob Whiddon, her sister, Betsy Webb, her parents, and her grandson, Shannon Benjamin Blue. Johnie leaves behind to cherish her memory; her children: Sandra (Rick) Rushing, Fran (Roger) Tarter, Lloyd (Alexa) Blue and Levy (Kathy) Blue; her grandchildren: Chip (Robin) Tarter, Laura Tarter, Etienne Lambert, Kathleen (Ed) Goebel, April Blue, Marla (Don) Tomlinson, Chase (Samantha) Rushing, Emerson Blue and Poppy Blue; her great-grandchildren: Alexandria and Ryen Goebel, Ashleigh Blue, River Tomlinson, Finley Tarter, and Penelope Rushing, as well as, many much-loved nieces and nephews. Her beloved "adopted' son: Rubin (Cindy) Watson; her dearest friend: Pete Pearman; along with a multitude of others.