Johnnie Lou Tew Zbinden, of Huntsville passed from her earthly life to her eternal heavenly home August 26, 2022 after a brief illness. The last of 12 children, Johnnie was born January 13, 1928 in Kinsey, a small community outside Dothan. She spent her early life there and graduated from Dothan High School. She met her husband, William Wilkinson (Bill) Zbinden while attending Headland Avenue Baptist Church. They lived in several other places early in their marriage and eventually settled in Huntsville. She was a faithful Christian and a member of First Baptist Church since the early 1950s where they worshipped with their three daughters. She lived through the depression, lived in the span of 2 centuries, 9 decades and saw 17 presidents elected. During her 94 ½ years, she witnessed many historic events and technological advancements.
Her Godly example has influenced several generations in her immediate and extended family and to all who knew her. She enjoyed gardening, entertaining friends and gathering with her family for any occasion.
She is survived by three daughters, Priscilla Yell (Eddie), Rebecca Smith and Jana Zbinden; grandsons, Chad Cox (Michelle), Clint Cox (Jennifer), Zac Smith and Will Smith (Whitney); and great grandchildren, Peyton Cox, Presley Cox, Dylan Osmer, Evan Cox, Nathan Cox, and Carson Smith.
Mrs. Zbinden was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Bill, her son-in-law, Larry Smith and a great grandson, Andrew Cox.
We are grateful for the compassionate care shown to our mother by many medical professionals and caregivers over the last few years, especially Dr. Todd Broome, our friend and mom’s doctor for several years whom she loved and respected so much, and Lou Barlow, her caregiver.
Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church sanctuary on Friday, September 2, 2022 followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse or the Mission Fund at First Baptist Church in her memory.
