Carla Blain

Carla Janiece (Johnnie) Blain
“Never wanted to be the center of attention, but always the star of the show.” Dillon Blain remarking about his Grandma Blain.
Living most of her life in Shawnee, Johnnie was born September 22, 1939. Her parents were Henry Bird and Mella Bird Dodds. As a child, Johnnie moved for a short time to California. Returning to Shawnee, she attended public schools and in high school met and married the love of her life, Monte Blain. They shared a life for 56 years until his passing in 2012.
Monte and Johnnie were married on May 19, 1956, and a year later welcomed their first son, Steve, in June. Monte’s job with Safeway took them to several locations throughout the state but eventually the family returned to Shawnee. The family had added three more children with Michael, Kim and the final addition of Paul. They enjoyed doing couple activities of bowling, square dancing and playing cards with friends.
Johnnie worked at Thurman’s Grocery and loved talking with the customers. She also worked at Sperry’s Jewelers. In the mid-90’s, her daughter, Kim, opened a children’s clothing store, Buttons ‘n’ Bows, and Johnnie helped her. She then worked a short time with her daughter-in-law, Kate, at her store, Batchelor’s. Later, after she slowed down, she decided it would be fun to work at the movies and seeing her application, Ronny Jones personally asked her to come join the company. She enjoyed working at Movies 6 in the mall and “adopted” the kids who were her co-workers. She loved being around people and thrived on their energy and their stories.
The most important jobs that Janiece cherished were being a mom, raising a family, caring for her grandchildren and loving her great-granddaughters. She loved to cook and Sunday Dinner was what the family revolved around. Having her family around the table once a week was sacred to her. She had a rotation of favorite must-have dishes. When she wasn’t cooking, she loved reading, collecting recipes and shopping.
The family, her legacy of love, includes Steve and wife, Kate and their daughter, Katie; Michael; Kim and husband, Brad Henry and their daughters, Leah, Baylee, Laynie and husband, Ben Gottsch; Paul and wife, Lachelle and their sons, Jax, Logan, Dillon and wife, Gigi.
Johnnie was overjoyed when great-granddaughters, Magnolia and Violet, joined the family. Her precious granddaughter, Lindsey Henry, preceded her in death.
On March 13, 2023, Johnnie left us. She was a beacon in the night and will be missed by all.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday, March 17, 2023, at AE Funeral Services Chapel, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, OK 74804. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, 16006 S. Rock Creek Rd., Shawnee, OK 74801.