Ethel Aline Johnston

Ethel Aline Johnston was born March 26, 1934, in Weatherford, Texas, to Calvin Hood Nicholson and Ita Sipes. She was raised in a large farming family where peanuts and watermelons were grown, and everyone—family, neighbors, and seasonal workers alike—shared in the labor. Aline spent her summers working the fields, learning the value of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life.

Aline attended Brock schools and graduated from Brock High School in 1951. It was there that she fell in love with her lifelong soulmate, Kenneth Wayne Johnston. They had attended school together since the fourth grade, with Kenneth one year ahead of Aline. During her senior year, Kenneth began attending Weatherford College, and after graduation Aline followed him, planning to become a physical education teacher.

Aline and Kenneth were married on March 27, 1953. After completing that academic year, Kenneth was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was stationed in El Paso, and Aline joined him as soon as possible. In September 1954 they were transferred to New Jersey, where their first son, Gregory, was born just two weeks after their arrival. Following Kenneth’s discharge from the Army, the family returned to Texas.

Kenneth worked nights and attended school during the day while Aline prepared to welcome their second son, Douglas. The family later moved to Millsap, Texas, where Kenneth began teaching and coaching, and their third son, Stephen, was born. After returning to Weatherford, Kenneth left coaching, which allowed Aline to return to college. She completed her degree at Texas Woman’s University and even took over an elementary classroom while student teaching. Shortly thereafter, their fourth son, Scott, was born at the beginning of the school year, delaying the start of her teaching career by five years.

In 1965, the Johnston family moved to Grand Prairie, believing a larger city would offer greater opportunities for everyone. Aline began her teaching career in the spring of 1969, filling in for a teacher on maternity leave at Austin Elementary. She later moved to Eisenhower Elementary when it opened, and then to LBJ Elementary in south Grand Prairie. Though she loved teaching, the open-concept classrooms proved challenging, especially while trying to keep first graders focused. After 20 years, Aline retired from teaching.

Aline and Kenneth’s early retirement years were joyfully known as their “crafting era.” Together they started a crafting business, traveling to shows across the area and selling handcrafted wooden items decorated for each season. It was a year-round endeavor that kept them busy and gave them great purpose.

Aline enjoyed remarkably good health throughout her life and often told medical staff she had never been hospitalized due to illness or injury. She loved her family and her Lord with her whole heart and remained devoted to both all her life. Aline was a faithful member of Tarrant Road Church of Christ, later known as Turnpike Church of Christ and then Cross Point Church of Christ, where she worshiped for over 60 years.

She loved reading her Bible as well as enjoying lighthearted fiction. Aline treasured traveling with Kenneth on weekend trips, especially staying at bed-and-breakfasts. Their most memorable travels included Alaska, the United Kingdom, and France. At home, she faithfully kept the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers schedules tucked away near the television controls.

Aline was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Wayne Johnston, and her son, Gregory Wayne Johnston.

She is survived by her sister, Sharon Zinn; daughter-in-law, Mary Joan Johnston; sons Douglas Johnston and wife Debbie, Stephen Johnston, and Scott Johnston and wife Madonna; grandchildren Christopher Johnston; Catherine Worthy and husband Matt; Brian Johnston and wife Emily; Brent Johnston and wife Christy; Jordan Johnston and wife Sarah; Robert Johnston and wife Rachel; Lauren Johnston; Colton Johnston and wife Emily; Aaron Johnston and wife Alyssa; and Kristen Johnston; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on January 5, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home.

Funeral services will take place on January 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Rd., Arlington, Texas 76016.

Following the service, a committal service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 6, 2026, at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.