Johnie Saulsbury

Obituary

Johnie & Claudine Saulsbury Together Forever
Johnie Bruce (J.B.) Saulsbury was born in Manning, Oklahoma on 6/26/1926 to Earl and Agnes Saulsbury spending his youth in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Earl Jr., killed in WWII, and sister, Betty Robbins. Johnie is survived by brother, Cecil Saulsbury and wife Phyllis, of Kansas City, Missouri; sister, Joann Wisdom of Kansas City, Kansas; and brother, Larry Saulsbury and wife Roberta of Hartshorne, Oklahoma.
Johnie was in the Navy during WWII proudly serving his country from 1944-1946 in the SW Pacific and Okinawa. He went to work for Superior Oil Co. in 1948 working his way up from a weed pulling Roustabout to an oil rig hand to senior production foreman continuing his career with Mobil Oil Co. until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, Johnie loved to talk about the oil business with grandson Scott or whoever would listen. He worked on many special projects including the Shafter Museum, Valley Bible Church, and for many people throughout the community.
Claudine Light Saulsbury was born 8/31/1928 in Stratford, OK to Cecil and Etta Light. She was number 9 in a family of 11 children. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Otto, Hansel, Burl, Triness, McClarney, Buel; and sisters, Ima Dee and Juanita. Claudine is survived by sister, Bertie Mae Morris and husband Bill.
Claudine was a wonderful, loving wife and mother. She babysat in her home while raising her children. In 1967, she began her college career attending Bakersfield College, transferring to the University of Fresno extension in Bakersfield and was in the first graduating class of Cal State Bakersfield in 1971. She began teaching 5th grade at Richland School in Shafter from 1971 retiring in 1985. She was an active member and past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club as well as the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She taught Sunday School, AWANA, served on many church committees and brought the love of Christ to the elderly through home visitations and visits to the local rest home.
Johnie and Claudine are survived by their children, Glenda Mathis, Bakersfield, David and Cathy Saulsbury, Sugar Land, Texas and Gail and Dale McGinty, West Lafayette, Indiana; grandchildren, Katrina (Kevin) Holliman, Amanda (Steven) Judd, Scott Mathis, Eric (Allison) Lyles, Anna Saulsbury, Lauren (Jordan) Canfield, Laura Gill, Kayle, Michelle and Noelle McGinty; as well as 16 great grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Together, Johnie and Claudine loved and served in their community of Shafter and with their friends at the Valley Bible Church for many years. They enjoyed frequent coffee breaks with their friends at their favorite spots where they will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kern County Youth for Christ, 2131 California, Bakersfield, CA 93304 or ADAKC (Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County, Inc.) 5500 Olive Drive, Building One, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 10, at 10am at Valley Bible Church for Johnie Saulsbury, age 86 and Claudine Saulsbury, age 84, of Shafter who passed away January 3, 2013 in Shafter. A graveside service will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Peters Funeral Home, Shafter.