Lanaye Elizabeth Johnston

Lanaye Elizabeth Johnston was granted her angel wings on January 25, 2015, following a brief illness. Family and friends that Lanaye had touched in some special way throughout her short, yet very memorable life spent their final days surrounding her with love.

Lanaye’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around her and she demonstrated such grace and poise in all of her interactions with everyone she encountered.

Although Lanaye’s brief illness made her appear to struggle at times, she possessed strength, perseverance, and an ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. With her courage she led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. She could spend hours reading a book or working on her favorite art project. Lanaye was the epitome of what an older sibling should be as demonstrated in the time she spent doing activities like playing make up with her little sister and riding bikes with her little brother. She enjoyed cheerleading, singing, dancing and loved the color purple.

She was bestowed the title, “Little Diva” at an early age by her Cousin Deborah and she shared the title as well as her freckles with her Aunt Lisa. Lanaye was always showered with love from her Aunt Minda and Aunt Gayle. She grew to adore her Uncle Fred. She enjoyed shopping and getting manicures and pedicures with her Grandma Jones and enjoyed the outdoors with her Grandma Trish. She was the apple of her Papa Gordon’s eye.

With Lanaye’s graduation to heaven we remind others that her life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss her everyday, especially her positive spirit and her winning smile, she will forever remain in our hearts. Through her teachings about life, we were able to create wonderful memories and it has been a privilege to be her parents. We are so thankful Lanaye’s sister, Trenity and brother, Domenic met her so they can hold dear the memory of Lanaye’s gentle spirit.

Lanaye leaves behind a host of friends that she cared dearly for especially, her best friend Allison. Lanaye and Allison shared a close friendship since kindergarten and Lanaye will continue to watch over her.

Lanaye is survived by her loving parents, Lance and Dyanna Johnston; brother Domenic Johnston; sister Trenity Johnston of Choctaw, OK; paternal grandmothers Trish Hull of Newalla, OK and Velta Johnston of Yukon, OK; maternal grandparents Nolan and Dyann Jones of Fort Washington, MD; Luther and Maura Gordon of Midwest City, OK; paternal aunts Minda Phillips (Terry) of Binger, OK and Gayle Ramsdill (Loren) of Sweet Springs, MO; maternal uncle Frederick Berry and aunt Lisa Wells. She also leaves to cherish her loving memories her great-great aunt Silver J. Goodwin of Dallas, TX and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her paternal grandfather, Bill Johnston, predeceased her.