Annette Johnson Wilbourn 1941-2021

Posted Wednesday, June 9, 2021 10:16 am

Annette Johnson Wilbourn, 79, formerly of Quitman, passed away on May 28, 2021. Annette is survived by her daughter, Brooke Wilbourn and fiance’ Curt Schoettle of New Braunfels; daughter, Stacie Whitaker and husband Lynn Whitaker of Gladewater; grandson, Coleton Brooke Whitaker of Washington, D.C.; granddaughter, Autumn Softley, husband Chris Softley, great-grandchildren Tatum, Tyler, Trey and Tate Softley of Lubbock; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Annette was a loving mother, wife, Granny and friend.

Annette moved to the Arabella Independent Living community in Longview in September 2020. She thoroughly enjoyed her apartment there and made many good friends in the short period that she lived there. The Arabella staff and residents welcomed Annette into the fold and quickly recognized that they could count on her at all their social activities including mahjong, bingo, the weekly women’s tea and the early morning exercise class.

Annette was the youngest of five girls born in Courtney to John and Mable Johnson on Dec. 30, 1941. She graduated from Navasota High School in 1959, then moved to Houston to go to work for Transcontinental Gas Pipeline. It is there that she met Robert Brooke “Buddy” Wilbourn. They married on Dec. 2, 1961 and were married for 58 years before Buddy passed away in February 2020.

Annette was best known for her loyal friendships, direct candor and artistic ability to paint. For several years, she owned Corner Cupboard Crafts and shared her love for tole painting by teaching classes. Those close to Annette will all be frequently reminded of her by the beautiful things displayed in their homes. She loved to share her pieces with her friends.

The family will have a memorial service honoring Annette and Buddy on June 5 at the First United Methodist Church in Quitman at 10 a.m. A reception will follow the service in Joy Hall for those that would like to celebrate their lives and reminisce about the many journeys and adventures that were shared. Those desiring, memorial contributions can be made to The Hospice of East Texas. www.hospiceofeasttexas.org 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX.

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