Johnie Plummer

Johnie Thomas Plummer, age 92, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on March 8, 2024.

Johnie was born August 8, 1931 in Murfreesboro, TN and grew up on a farm in the tiny town of Triune, TN in a house that had no electricity, no running water, and no central heat until 1938. Johnie started school a year early as they needed another student at the local one room schoolhouse properly staffed.

Johnie was a 1948 graduate of Central High School, Nashville, TN and a 1952 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

While attending college she was in the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and was vice-president and president. Johnie was initiated on April 10, 1949 as a member of The Order of the Shield and was very involved in social and sporting events. Campus Cutie and Sigma Phi Epsilon Sweetheart are just two examples of her social life. She was listed in the Who's Who in American Universities.

Johnie met William B. (Bill) Plummer in Oakridge, TN while they both worked for Carbide & Carbon Chemicals Co. on what became known as the Manhattan Project.

Johnie and Bill were married on September 26, 1953. They resided in Oak Ridge, TN; Frederick, MD; then, as Bill was hired by IBM, they were off to Vestal, NY; Rochester, MN; Boulder, CO; Charlotte, NC; Lexington, KY and then back to Rochester, MN during the course of their 69.5 year marriage.

Johnie ended her paid work career but switched to being a wife, mother and perfect example of what can be accomplished if you study, work, plan and provide unquestioned love and support to your family. She read, and studied, the Wall Street Journal for years to keep her interest in business and current events current.

Johnie also devoted much time to volunteer work with the Rochester Methodist Hospital from 1976-1980 (President in 1979) and 1995-96 (Shop Chair again) after they returned to Rochester. Johnie also volunteered with the Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC 1984-1988 (President 85-86) while they lived there. She was also a member of the Tourist Club while in Rochester and enjoyed playing bridge.

Johnie loved her grandkids, caffeine free diet coke and Fritos.

Johnie is survived by three children, Jan Plummer Davidson of Rosemount, MN; Richard Powell Plummer (LaRae) of Woodbury, MN and Patricia Plummer Regimbal (Randy) of Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Jeffrey Plummer, Danny Plummer (Jenna), Bryce Regimbal, Riley Regimbal (Jordyn), Michael Davidson and Amanda Davidson, sister-in-law Phylis Kirk and her family as well as Tennessee relatives. She is also survived by Ryder and Oscar who are canine members of the family.

Johnie was preceded in death by her husband Bill who finally let go of her hand March 3, 2023; her mother Johnie Tate Thomas in 1970 and her father Atha Thomas in 1950 as well as her sister Mary Ann McMurray.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held April 14, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. at The Gathering Place at Homestead 1900 Ballington Blvd. NW, Rochester, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mayo Hospice or Mayo Palliative Care at: Mayo Clinic 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55902.

A very special thanks to all the Mayo Hospice (Brianna) and Palliative care staff (Julie) who cared for Johnie as well as the many Angels from Visiting Angels (Susan and so many others) who so greatly enhanced her last few months.

Johnie embodied the ideals of strong family love and support, the value of education, giving back to the community and living life to the fullest.

Johnie was the best wife and mom ever.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Plummer family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com