Johnnie Mae McAlister

Johnnie Mae McAlister was born on June 26, 1938 in Akron, Ohio to the late Willie and Jamie (Horton) Williams. She departed this life on April 25, 2026 at the age of 87. Johnnie was a lifelong resident of the Akron community. She attended South High School. She later married Ruben McAlister on March 1, 1955. They had nine children from their union. Johnnie worked at MRDD as a Therapeutic Program Worker for 25 years. She loved her family so deeply and worried about their wellbeing. She was always there to comfort, encourage and lift you up. Johnnie was kindhearted, a totally unselfish person, who would go “beyond the call” to help anyone. The most wonderful mom and grandma we could have ever known. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Ruben; daughter, Valerie; son, Michael; granddaughters Tina and Nicole; sisters, Willie Ruth Averiette, Lucille Williams, Bernice Brown, Eugenia Woods, and Carrie Rice; brothers, Clarence, Willie and Bobby Williams. 

She leaves to cherish her memory son, Ruben (Diane) McCalister; daughters, Lucille, Robin, Susan, Sheryl McCalister, Mary Johnson and Lisa (Timothy) Daniels; sister Jamie Williams; brother-in-law Ernest (Isabelle) McCalister; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, May 15th, at Posh Venue (133 Merriman Rd. Akron, 44303) where a Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00pm.

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