Obituary of Johnnie Ann Tooley

Johnnie Ann Chesney was born on October 9, 1946 in Maynardville, Tennessee. She was one of seven children born from Wilma (Kitts) Chesney and the late Gordon Chesney. Johnnie attended Monroe High School and graduated with the class of 1964.

Johnnie met the love of her life, Gary L. Tooley and they married on September 25, 1965. From this union came the birth of two children: one daughter and one son. Johnnie’s family meant the most to her and she worked hard to make sure they were well taken care of. To support her family, Johnnie worked as a cook at a local restaurant.

Johnnie was a natural entertainer, inviting friends and family over often. She loved to cook and provide big meals for her guests to share. She was a phenomenal chef and would never let anyone leave her home hungry. In her spare time, Johnnie liked to play bingo, try her luck at the casino, and socialize with friends around the card table playing Poker.

In her younger years, Johnnie was very creative. She enjoyed decorating cakes and would often repurpose and reupholster old furniture and other small items.  

A friend to all, Johnnie was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She meant the most to her family. To know her was to love her and she will be dearly missed by many.

Johnnie Ann Tooley, age 71 of LaSalle, passed away at 3:08am on Monday, September 17, 2018 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. In addition to her father’s passing, she was preceded in death by a brother: Chris Chesney; and a sister: Barbara Kehrer.

To cherish her memory, Johnnie leaves her beloved husband of fifty-two years: Gary L. Tooley; her two children: Garilynn Atchley and Jeffery (Christine) Tooley; her mother: Wilma (Kitts) Chesney; four sisters: Rexine (Danny) Langford, Trisha (Joe) Simmons, Betty Kirkenbush and Cathy Vandercook; and one grandson: Derek Atchley. She is also survived by many extended family members and friends.

Friends may gather on Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 12:00pm until a Celebration of Her Life at 2:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070 with Pastor Roy Southerland of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery for interment.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com.