Celia Johnston

Born in Santa Monica, California in 1942, Celia was daughter to Alfred Carr and Zola Wallwork Ackerson. Upon graduating from Santa Monica High School, Celia crossed the country to continue her academic studies, earning a BA in Education in 1964 from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Celia married Thomas Berry Johnston of Birmingham, Alabama in June of 1964. They had three children, Sara Christine, Jennifer Isabelle, and Thomas Berry, Jr. Celia was a dedicated educator for 18 years in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) with a passion for service and the success of her students. At the same time, Celia was a fulltime caretaker for her son, protecting and enriching his life.

Upon retiring from FCPS, Celia pursued many interests and enjoyed a wide array of activities. She became active in the Young at Heart Seniors at the City of Fairfax Senior Center and Fairfax Women’s Club, participating in many events and charitable endeavors. Celia was also a dedicated bridge player, avid reader and book club member, gardener, ornithophile, and appreciated the many facets of arts and crafts. She also enjoyed traveling abroad and across the United States with friends and spending time with her grandsons. Later in life, Celia made an exciting discovery, meeting and becoming great friends with a biological cousin.

Celia is predeceased by her son, Thomas Berry Johnston, Jr., brother A.C. Ackerson, parents Alfred Carr and Zola Wallwork Ackerson, and Thomas Berry Johnston.

Celia is survived by her daughters, Sara Christine of Alexandria, Virginia, and Jennifer Isabelle (James Ross Morrison) of Leesburg, Virginia, and her grandsons James Ross Morrison, Jr. and Alexander Paul Morrison.

A memorial gathering will be held at Demaine Funeral Home Fairfax (10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030) on January 18, 2022, from 3-5 p.m.

Memorials may be given to St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota, stjo.org/dreams, American Heart Association, www.heart.org, or Brain Injury Services in Springfield, Virginia, braininjurysvcs.org/donate.