Eva Catherine Conaway Johnston

Born in Wilmington NC to Charles T Conaway Sr and Eva Morris Johnson Conaway, Eva Catherine Conaway grew up with six brothers and two sisters, all of whom have predeceased her. Her youngest child, Karl Jay Johnston, predeceased her in 2002; a grandson, Jason Alexander Johnston, in 1982, and her husband, Aubrey, in 2004.

Eva graduated from New Hanover High School in 1946. A year later she was married to Aubrey Johnston of Clarkton NC; she became a devoted wife, and eventually the mother of four children. Her devotion to family and to her faith were the steadfast hallmarks of her life. Her husband’s career moved them from Wilmington to Clarkton, Shallotte, Beulaville, and, after retirement, back to Wilmington. Eva always found joy in each community where they lived, and added much joy herself to friends, neighbors, and her church communities. When Aubrey passed away in 2004, Eva remained in the home for many years. Naturally quiet and reserved, but with a creative eye, she treasured the beauty of all of God’s Creation and tirelessly worked to share the Love of Christ at every opportunity.

When she moved to Champions Assisted Living in February 2017, Eva had no hesitation to make this place her home. She cherished the caregivers around her every day, and repeatedly expressed appreciation for their attention to her, as well as for the dignity and respect always shown to her. She tolerated her dementia diagnosis and limited mobility with total grace. She did not dwell on what she could no longer do, but kept her positive outlook even as her health declined.

She was totally at peace with the cycles of life, and as she moved to a skilled nursing environment a few months before her passing, her deep blue eyes were still twinkling from her wheelchair, still showing delight at the goodness of God’s provision for her needs.

Left to cherish her memory are a son, Kenneth Johnston of Texas (Betty), daughters Konnie Johnston of Bolivia (Sonny) and Karen J Morgan of Wilmington (Tom); granddaughters Alanna Allen (Jason) of Bolivia, Megan Gavrillen (Michael) of Wilmington, and Amanda Johnston of Burgaw; also grandsons Austin Morgan (Meredith) of Raleigh and Michael Smith (Emily) of Houston Texas, along with several great grandchildren, special nephews and nieces across the country.

A memorial service is scheduled for April 22, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Coble Funeral and Cremation on Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington NC. A brief graveside burial service will be held later in the day, at 3:00 p.m., in Clarkton Cemetery, Clarkton, N.C.

For those seeking ways to honor her memory, donations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation (Hospice) 1414 Physicians Dr, Wilmington NC 28401-7335; to Clarkton Presbyterian Church cemetery fund,( PO Box 663, Clarkton NC 28344), or to Friends of the NHC Arboretum(6206 Oleander Dr, Wilmington NC 28403), would be meaningful to her.

If she were able to inject a comment right now, she would likely remind us to treasure our loved ones at every stage of their lives and would also suggest a heartful prayer on behalf of any who do not know peace, joy, and love in their lives. Amen.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Johnston family.