Johnnie Bernice Hale, 85, of Wichita Falls passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The daughter of the late Josephine (Shelby) and Clyde Wrice, Johnnie was born on January 11, 1940, in Hugo, Oklahoma. After school was completed, she moved to California and eventually settled in Wichita Falls. There she met her husband and love of her life, Ray Hale, and was married on March 5, 1978.  Through many wonderful years, they shared laughs and love while raising 5 children until his death in May 1995. Mrs. Johnnie had a steadfast commitment to her local church families The Church of God of Prophecy and Life Tabernacle Church. Career wise, she dedicated her time helping the elderly as a site manager at the Senior Citizens Services of North Texas (33 years) and the mentally disabled at High Plains Health Providers (16 years).

Mrs. Johnnie was an enthusiastic cook and a true master in the kitchen, from cheesecakes to casseroles, she was the best chef in North Texas. Actual measurements and instructions of her creations were a tight-lipped secret. Her leisure time was spent watching the latest Wheel of Fortune episode on Channel 6 or catching Steve Harvey tell jokes on Family Feud. She also loved to unmercifully beat her family and friends in lively games of Wahoo and dominoes, rarely giving them a chance to return the favor.  Mrs. Johnnie loved life and vigorously protected her family through many hurdles while being a strong matriarch.

Her ultimate passion though was to be a servant of God. She had daily devotion time with her Bible and prayed with anyone who would join her. Her singing voice was her instrument for Jesus. Amazingly gifted, strong, and beautiful, her voice was like hearing angels project to The God Almighty.  She was a compassionate representative of Christ, ranked high as one God's greatest soldiers. Her earthly race has ended and she is now with God, singing and basking in His glory.

She is survived by her 5 children Jerrell Franks, Gradlin Franks, Tiffany (Sammy) Woodard, Tanya (Tim) Lee, Raymond (Monique) Hale; 8 grandchildren Taylor, Mason, Xavier, Ashlee, Quincy, Milan, Madi, Rylee; one great-grandchild, Xavious and two siblings Billy Clyde Wrice and Christine Wrice Johnson.

Waiting to welcome her into her heavenly home are her husband, Ray Hale, parents and siblings Billy Floyd Wrice and Bobby Lee Wrice.

The family will receive loved ones for a visitation hour from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 24th at Lunn' s Funeral Home - 2812 Midwestern Parkway Wichita Falls, TX 76308. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday January 25th at Life Church - 4350 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76309 with Pastor Gene Holly, Jr officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

For those desiring in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Wichita Falls.