Murita Janet Johnston

Murita Janet Johnston, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 17th, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. She reunites in heaven with the love of her life and husband of almost 50 years, Daniel Dallas Johnston. Also predeceased her beloved mother Elva Murita Taylor, father Roy Otis Caldwell, brothers Roy Otis Caldwell Jr., Ronald Bruce Caldwell, her cousin Archie Vincent Barnard (who was like a brother to her), and half-brother Allen Caldwell.

She is survived by her son Daniel Johnston (Caroline), daughter Karen Elliott (Clint), grandsons Daniel Johnston Jr. (Erika), Christopher Johnston, Connor Elliott, and Carl Abner (Racha), granddaughters Ashley Elliott, and Emily Johnston, and great grandchildren Ada Johnston, and Layton Scott. She is also survived by her half-brother Donald Caldwell (Karen), cousin Sonja Reed, and five nieces and nephews.

Murita Janet Caldwell was born on May 7th, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She grew up in Sylvan Hills and married Dan shortly after high school on August 30th, 1958. They started their journey together in Little Rock, eventually making their home in Fort Smith, Arkansas where they raised their family. She lived and breathed, in every facet, her role as a wife, mother, and professional homemaker. Family was her utmost priority, and everything was always done with her children and grandchildren in mind. She was the epitome of a role model, selfless and kind. Her kindness and caring did not stop with her family. Many times, she was a mother and friend to others, always willing to help anyone in need.

In her early years she enjoyed bowling, cooking meals for her family, and sewing. She and Dan enjoyed many card and game nights with their lifelong best friends Ed and Gloria Tyson. Later on, they owned racehorses and could be found at Oaklawn during the racing season. In later years, before Dan's passing, they enjoyed weekends at the casino. Always enjoying games of chance, bingo was her favorite activity at her retirement home.

While her family was the light to her world, to her family, Murita was the star that shone the brightest.

Her funeral service will be held Tuesday July 22nd, at 11:00 am at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and family an hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117.

Online guestbook, griffinleggettresthills.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church of Fort Smith, ctkparishfs.com, 2112 S Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or to the animal shelter of your choice.