Sara Aileen Stuart Johnston was born on October 11, 1933 in Bay Minette, Alabama to Walter Mosley Stuart and Brucie Butts Stuart. She grew up in Bishop, Texas and graduated from the University of Alabama. Following her studies, she taught elementary school in Houston, Texas for several years before devoting herself to raising her family.
For more than 65 years, Sara was the beloved wife of The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Johnston Jr., who served much of his career as a heart surgeon in Victoria, Texas. She was a devoted partner in life and in ministry, supporting his vocation while raising their four children with steadfast love and care.
Her Christian faith was central to her life. She was active for decades at Trinity Episcopal Church in Victoria, where she also served in leadership in the Cursillo movement. She found fellowship and joy through long-standing involvement in the Decora Study Club and her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and she cherished the friendships she built in each of these communities.
Sara is survived by her four children: William Lane Johnston (Denine), Sara Lane Johnston Albrecht (Phil), Robert H. Johnston III and Walter Stuart Johnston (Lisa). She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Amanda Johnston Holland (Matt), Allison Johnston Horan (Jeff), Julia Dotter, Sara Grace Dotter Williams (Peyton), Hugh Johnston, Ian Johnston, Matthew Johnston (Kirstin), Luke Johnston (Lauren) and Katie Johnston Shultz (Michael). In addition, she has survived by three great-grandchildren: Shepherd Horan, Harrison Horan and Wesley Johnston.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Trinity Episcopal Church, with burial following at Wharton Cemetery. Gifts in her memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.
Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons and sons-in-law: Matthew Johnston, Luke Johnston, Hugh Johnston, Ian Johnston, Michael Shultz, Peyton Williams, Jeff Horan and Matt Holland.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who supported Sara in recent years and made a true difference in her life.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
