Joetta Shirlene Johnston (Sims), affectionately known as "Aunt Jo", was born on May 8, 1953, in Crane, Missouri to James and Hazel Joan Sims. She passed away on November 8, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri, where she had made her home in recent years.

Joetta grew up in Crane where she attended and graduated high school with the class of 1971. After graduation she went to trade school to become a beautician, a job she loved and served in for over 20 years. Joetta met the love of her life, Keith Michael Johnston, and the two, excited to start their life together, moved to Monett Missouri and were married on September 19, 1992. Joetta and Keith were married for 24 years, until his passing in 2016.

Later in life Joetta also worked as the Activities Director at Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett, Missouri for 17 years where she touched the lives of many with her kindness, compassion, and creativity. Her passion for crafting and love for all things Christmas, a season she loved to celebrate year-round, brought joy to all those around her.

Known for her loving and caring nature, Joetta was always smiling and had a unique ability to make everyone feel special. Though she did not have biological children of her own, she was a mother figure to many, embodying a spirit of warmth and generosity. Joetta loved her family, and she was especially proud of her great-nephew, Luke (age 4), whom she took joy in caring for in her later years and cherished deeply.

Joetta was also a devoted member of her church community, where she loved to sing and share her faith. She found strength and inspiration in her love for the Lord, which guided her throughout her whole life.

Joetta is proceeded in death by her father, James Elisha Sims; mother, Hazel Joan Dewitt (Merritt); sister, Anna Louise Sims; brother, James Raymond Sims; and husband, Keith Michael Johnston.

She is survived by her 3 sisters, Jeannie Cox of Hurley, Nancy Blair (Donald) of Hurley, and Kathleen Williams of Springfield. Joetta is also survived by nephew, Jamie Cox of Hurley; nieces, Alice Cummings (Doug) of Hurley, Kara Knotts (Terrence) of Greenfield, Sarah Layton, Shannon Rapp of Springfield, Vannesa Williams of Tulsa; and many great-nieces & nephews, including Luke of Springfield. Along with many friends and family, she is also survived by those who will remember her for her unwavering love and joyful spirit. Joetta's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services for Joetta will be held on November 13th, 2024, at Lifelines Church in Springfield, Missouri at 10am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Declare the Word Ministries in Joetta's memory. Donations can be made at Declaretheword.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Lifelines Church 6185 W. State Highway 266, Springfield, MO 65802.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.