Ms. Merilyn Marie Johnston

Merilyn was born on January 30, 1937 to the late James Noel Cochran and Hallie Waldroup Cochran. She was a long time member of Hickory Mennonite Church, she was also a part of Habitat for Humanity, served as secretary for Hickory Mennonite Church, and a volunteer angel food ministries.

In addition to her parents, Merilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Lloyd Johnston Sr.; daughter, Donna J Storey; sister, Iva Dean Eliand; and a brother, Clint Cochran.

Those left to cherish her memory are sons, Russell Lloyd Johnston Jr. and wife Shirley, William David Johnston and wife Marie; daughter, Dianna J Genaway and husband Kevin; brother, Clayton Cochran; grandchildren, Melissa Dunn and husband Rob, Amber Storey, Crystal Storey and Miranda Lowrance and husband Caleb; great grandchildren, Braydon, Ghunner, AJ, Ronin, Ansley and Bennett; and her beloved dog Rusty.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:15pm prior to the service.

A funeral service for Merilyn will be held at 1:30pm, Friday, January 10, 2025 will be at Drum Funeral Home with Pastor Hank Rudisill officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to DAV- Disabled American Veterans.

Condolences may be sent to the Johnston family at www.drumfh-conover.com

The Johnston family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.