Helen Patterson Johnston

Born to Buford and Onnie (nee Andrews) Patterson of Charlotte, NC in 1935, she grew up learning about finer clothing and the garment industry from her father who was CEO of Charlotte’s Tate-Brown, a gentlemen’s clothing store. She always had a deep appreciation for “well made” garments and insisted on having nothing less. Her parents were longtime members, Elders and Deacons of First Presbyterian Church in which she and her siblings were raised with a strict Calvinist discipline. Her own self-discipline was rock solid. She graduated from Central High School in 1953 and earned her Bachelor of Art degrees in English from Women’s College (UNC-Greensboro) in 1957. She married Frank S. Johnston, Jr., a graduate of Davidson College and the Medical School at UNC-Chapel HIll. They ultimately made their home in Raleigh, NC where he joined Drs. William (“Bill”) Ivan Procter & Robert (Bob) Gaddy (later known as Boylan Internal Medicine, PA) in the practice of medicine. He passed away in June 2003.

She was known for her intelligence, high moral character and especially her love of dogs, birds, flowers. and ballet. She was also ever stoic in life unto her last day. She never complained about her suffering as she had always said “There shall be no mewling or whining; such is never to be tolerated.”

That strength and an abiding belief in God served her well throughout her 88 years.

She will be missed.

She leaves behind a daughter, Ann L. Johnston and son-in-law, John A. Greenlee of Raleigh, NC.

A special acknowledgement and thank you goes out to UNC-Rex Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing of Apex and UNC-Rex Hospital Heart and Vascular where she received excellent medical care in her last years. The staff at UNC Rex Rehabilitation is also to be highly commended for the love and attention they showed her during her last year. She was very much loved by them and she died in the comfort of their love in addition to that of family.

As she wished, a private graveside burial will be held with family only.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in her name for UNC Rex Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing of Apex and UNC Rex Heart & Vascular, by using the link below, under 'Donations".

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Helen, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.