Johnetta Dennis Obituary (1937

Johnetta's strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends and many supporters, carried her through until the end when she passed away on July 27, 2017, at her home, surrounded by family and close friends. Johnetta was born on October 26, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Johnnie Miles and Heareather Reynolds. She was baptized at an early age as a member of Stone Hill Baptist Church in Shreveport. The family moved to Seattle, Washington, in the early 1950's when her father obtained employment with Boeing. Johnetta graduated from Cleveland High School in Seattle in 1956. She attended Seattle Community College for one year studying bookkeeping. She married her high school sweetheart Lovell Finkley (US Airforce, deceased) on June 1, 1956. To this union, five children were born; Terence, Lovetta, Heareather, Michele (deceased), and Timothy. Being in the military, Johnetta had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and lived in England for several years. After Lovell's death, Johnetta later met and married Sylvester "Bobby" Dennis, Sr. on August 9, 1974, until his death in December 1987. To this union, one daughter, Deidre Dennis, was born. Johnetta attended and graduated from Puget Sound Institute of Technology in 1983, receiving a degree as a Legal Medical Assistant. She worked in the nursing home industry until retiring with Bobby in 1985, when they moved to Yakima, Washington. With her newfound retirement, Johnetta found joy as an AmeriCorps Volunteer. With a never-ending thirst for knowledge, she also attended Yakima Valley Community College for two years. Johnetta was one of the first women inducted into the West Valley Lion's Club and was a faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church until her health no longer allowed her to attend. Johnetta was a community volunteer at heart; whether it was cooking meals for community events, or crocheting lap throws for Landmark Care wheelchair patients for their birthdays, making over 60 throws in all, Johnetta made it her mission to bring happiness and light to those who needed it the most. Everyone who met Johnetta often left a changed person and she had a unique ability to make one feel as if they were her favorite. Throughout her life she maintained a demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now in this moment are being changed by her constant love, faith and strength. She enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking, crocheting and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her kind spirit and zest for life will live on through them. Her surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include: two sons, Terence and Timothy Finkley, and three daughters, Lovetta Bullocks (James-deceased), Heareather Finkley, and Deidre Dennis (Isaac), all of Yakima; three stepsons, Anthony, Sylvester, Jr. and Sylvan Dennis, and two stepdaughters, Linda and Sylvia Dennis, all of Seattle; grandchildren Keynisha Ayala (Ramon), Tahvio Gratton (Erica), Tiffany Finkley, Kenneth Swain, Kendra Swain, Miketa Wilson and Anthony Briceno, all of Yakima, and Velska Bankston (James) of Atlanta, Georgia; 17 great grandchildren; and numerous step grand and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Johnetta was preceded in death by her husband Sylvester, Sr., daughter Michele "Mimi", and her father and mother. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home, 201 North 2nd St., Yakima, at 11:00AM. There will be no public viewing. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to North Star Lodge in Yakima. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.