Joanne Henry Johnston

Joanne was born on June 12, 1936 in Newport, TN to Samuel Clyde Henry Sr. and Dorothy Mantooth. Her family moved to Charlotte when she was a baby and she lived the rest of her life in the Moores Chapel community. As a child, she had many adventures with her five siblings, whom she loved dearly.

Joanne attended Berryhill School from the first grade through the ninth grade. She was in the first sophomore class at West Mecklenburg High School when it opened in 1951 and graduated with the class of 1954. It was at West Meck where she met the love of her life, Jimmy Johnston. Following graduation, she attended Brevard College but decided to come home after a short time because she missed her sweetheart. Jimmy and Joanne married in October of 1956.

Joanne loved her family and took great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her sewing skills provided a surprise every Christmas, because we never knew what stuffed animals the grandchildren had requested. Her funfetti cakes were always requested for family birthday parties and were enjoyed by everyone.

She loved her church family and was a faithful servant all her life. She and her husband were youth leaders for over 12 years and their doors were always open, day or night, or those who needed help or just to talk. They enjoyed many youth trips to the beach and mountains.

Joanne always had a song in her heart and on her lips about her Savior and she enjoyed singing in the choir all her life. She and Jimmy sang in trios and quartets at their church with many sweet friends.

Those left to honor Joanne’s memory include her husband of over 66 years, James Allen Johnston; children, Danny Johnston (Donna), Sandra Kelly (Eric), and Sam Johnston (Wendy); eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Jerry Henry and Dwight Henry; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

She has been reunited in Heaven with her parents, Samuel and Dorothy Henry; sister, Bett Taylor; and brothers, Sam Henry and David Henry.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Garden Memorial Evangelical Presbyterian Church 2324 Sam Wilson Road in Charlotte. The celebration of her life will begin at 11:00am, immediately following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanne’s memory to Garden Memorial Evangelical Presbyterian Church.