Gaye Nell Johns was born to WC “Buck'' and Louise Johnson on July 15, 1937, in Austin, Texas. After a lengthy and difficult illness, in the pre-dawn hours of June 12, 2024, she passed away quietly in her sleep, and woke up to the best day of her life, in the arms of Jesus and reunited with her loved ones.

Gaye was 86 years old and preceded in death by her parents, her brother Wintford, her husband Roy Johns, son-in-law Harvie Belshe, and grandson David Belshe. She leaves behind a loving family: her three children, Doby Johns (and wife Margarita), Julia Belshe, and Deborah Johns; 13 grandchildren (and 9 spouses); and 22 great-grandchildren.

In 1955, at the age of 18, Gaye married the love of her life, Roy Johns, from Liberty Hill, Texas, whom she had led back to the Lord. Soon after, they heard the call of foreign missions In 1958, with 2 babies in tow, they drove to Costa Rica to learn Spanish before leaving for Peru.

1n 1959, they arrived in Huancayo, high in the Andes mountains, a harsh environment that entailed much hardship, challenging their commitment to leave behind everything dear and familiar so they might share the good news that Jesus came to save us from our sins. Debbie was born soon after their arrival. No matter the difficulties, Gaye always made her home a beautiful and restful place for her family. They worked mostly in and around Huancayo, and later in the desert town of Ica until 1972.

Afterwards, they continued sharing the gospel in Mexico, Honduras and in the vast Hispanic community in Texas. They also started a prison Bible correspondence program. After Roy’s death in 2010, Gaye carried on with this ministry until she retired at the age of 83, after more than 60 years of devoted missionary work in Latin America.

Gaye lived an exciting and fulfilling life. She was more than a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother—she was also a friend to many. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. She was known for her contagious joy, kindness towards others, and wonderful, deep conversations. Her faith and family were the cornerstones of her life. Her legacy of compassion and faith will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 21, from 5-9 PM at De Leon Funeral Home, 700 E Expressway 83, Pharr, TX. The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, June 22, from 8:30-10:00 AM, also at De Leon Funeral Home. Burial will follow from 11:00-11:30 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, 1701 E Richardson Rd, Edinburg, TX 78542.