Mary Jo Johnston, formally of Brundidge, passed away very peacefully in the presence of family August 15th, 2009 at Ozark Health and Rehabilitation. The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 between the hour of 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. at Salem Baptist Church in Brundidge. Funeral services for Miss Johnston will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 with interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Brother Bobby Hood and Reverend Mack King will officiate. Pianist Jason Grace will provide the music and songs will be by Katherine Sanderfer Dennis.
Miss Johnston was preceded in death by her mother, Loretta Wilson Johnston, her father, Golden Filligin Johnston and an infant brother.
She is survived by her brother, Randolph Golden Johnston, Sr. (Louise Sanders Johnston) of Brundidge; nephew, Randolph Golden Johnston II (Randy) and his wife, Cary; great niece, Olivia Mariah Johnston; great nephew, Sanders Laughlin Johnston all of Dallas, Texas; niece, Jodie Johnston Strong and her husband, Bill of Houston, Texas; aunt, Amy Wilson McCormick, Panama City, Florida; uncle, Kyser Wilson of Ariton and many cousins and friends.
Mary Jo was a beloved Brundidge resident for most of her life. She was born in Brundidge on Oak Street and delivered by her grandfather, Dr. John David Johnston, longtime respected Brundidge physician. She had many pleasurable years and was a faithful and active member of Salem Baptist Church. She always wore a beautiful smile and enjoyed the pleasure of many travel experiences with classmates and family.
Upon the death of her mother she continued to live with her father until his death. Several years later she became an active resident of Hartford Retirement Village which she considered a special place where she worked with the chaplains on their daily message and songs for the residents. She attended First United Methodist Church while there. Upon failing health she became a resident of Ozark Health and Rehabilitation. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The family request the omission of flowers. Memorials may be made to Salem Baptist Church Johnston Parlor, P.O. Box 802, Brundidge, AL 36010.