Johnnie Fay Back

Johnnie Fay Back, of Duncan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, after a brief illness. Johnnie was born June 14, 1943, in Texas City, Texas. It was there that she grew up and fell in love with a soldier from the Ft. Hood Army Base. After a whirlwind 3 months, this ‘Yellow Rose of Texas’ became Mrs. William Don Back on August 26, 1960. Her new husband signed her report card until she graduated from Holland High School with her diploma and an ‘A’ in love. The Backs’ made their home in Hampton, VA. They raised 3 daughters and a son. It was here that Johnnie’s many talents began to blossom. She was an excellent seamstress, making countless dresses, dedication outfits, doll clothes, and even bridal ware. There wasn’t a better dressed Barbie out there, with custom fur coats and evening gowns. Family was very important to Johnnie; every week, she’d invite her children, grands, and great-grands over for dinner. Each huge meal was followed by a dessert that never survived the night, often including her famous home-made pies. A love of people and a call from God led Don and Johnnie to start the Faith Church of God in their living room. Don was called to preach and Johnnie helped teach. When the congregation grew, Johnnie started up a children’s ministry that continues to this day. When you met Johnnie, you became family; she was ‘Granny’ to all the children in the church. And when you’re family, Granny’s going to make sure you’re taken care of and supported. Johnnie single handedly made appetizers, dinner, and desserts for over 100 people at her annual Christmas open house in her home. It was her gift to the congregation and they LOVED it. Johnnie also started “Loaves of Love” at the church, baking banana bread and gifting it to visitors with verses God had given her to share. Together, they faithfully served Faith Church of God until their retirement in 2019. Upon retirement, they moved to Duncan, SC, where they continued to pursue their varying hobbies, such as gardening, taking trips, and Yahtzee. They became faithful members of Fairforest Church of God. Johnnie continued entertaining family and friends at their home until her passing. Johnnie is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Don Back; her parents, Odell and Sadie Wooley; siblings Lois and Larry. Her legacy of love and family will continue in the lives of her children: Elaine (Eddie), Sherry (Steve), Patricia, Jeffery (Tiffany); Siblings Vernon, Mary, Jeanette, and Tina; 8 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren (plus one on the way); and two great great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at Fairforest Church of God in Spartanburg on Saturday, September 2nd at 11 a.m. There will be an additional service at Faith Church of God, in Hampton, VA on Saturday, September 9th.