Johnnie was born on March 28, 1945 in Amarillo to Kenneth and Eva Yates. She was raised in Amarillo, graduating from Palo Duro High School in 1963. Johnnie was a hard-worker, working for Amarillo Independent School District as well as Texas State Technical Institute. She enjoyed playing bingo when she was able and was known for her love of snacks. She was a loving mother and grandmother to her family.

Johnnie is survived by her son, Darrell Lawler and girlfriend Jennifer Nichols; 2 daughters, Tammy Martinez and husband Mondo and Tonya Lawler and fiancé Joseph Kautchick, all of Amarillo; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bluford Turner; 2 sons, George Chambers and Mark Hill; brother, Kenneth Yates and sister, Darlene Sandridge.