Jean (Cummings) Johnston

Jean (Mama Jean, Jean Jean) passed away on November 22nd, 2023, at 8:30 am at the age of 100. She was born in St. Boswell’s, Saskatchewan, Canada. The farm, close to Hodgeville, Sask., was home for 18 years. Jean and her 4 siblings worked on the farm and attended a one-room school. With an 8th-grade education, she left the farm in 1941 and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan where she attended business school. In October of 1942, she moved to Toronto and was hired by the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps as a clerk typist. It was there that she met Jimmie. John James Johnston was in the army and the first time he saw Jean he was heard to say that he was going to marry her. Their first date was April 29th 1943 and they were married on September 18, 1943. They lived in Toronto until 1953 when they moved to Calgary, Alberta and lived there until June of 1960. In 1960 the family moved to Farmers Branch, Texas and then to Dallas, Texas.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Jimmie, her parents William J. Cummings and Elizabeth Heyburn, sisters Catherine Langstone, Elizabeth Haubrich, Sadie Ludlow and brother Hugh Cummings. Jean is survived by a daughter, Karen and two sons Keith (wife Sylvia), and Ron (wife Donna). Grandchildren are Christopher Elmore (wife Megan), Kyle Elmore (wife Marie), Joshua Johnston (wife Jeanette), and Carly Karriman (husband Andrew). Great grandchildren Rileigh, Charlie, Evan, and Eliza Elmore; Nico Johnston; Boston, Berkeley, Bear, Banks, and Bowie Karriman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

During her busy life, Jean worked outside of her home as a clerk typist, a caretaker, Avon representative, and secretary. She excelled as an Avon representative from 1962 until about 2012 and also worked for over 15 years as Ron’s office manager. Jean never met a stranger, and she was appreciated by many friends and neighbors. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, knitting, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, and working.

A memorial service will be held on December 2nd at 11am at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church at 11122 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75229. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.

How fortunate we are and how blessed we have been, that you were our mother and also our friend. And a friend to many others.