Ann Byrum Whitener Johnston

The daughter of Paul Baylis Byrum and Lilla Miller Bryum, she was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on May 30, 1936. She attended Mt. Vernon College before meeting her first husband, Thomas Manly Whitener. They were married for 58 years, residing in Hickory, NC before moving to Charleston, S.C. in the early 2000’s. Ann and Manly enjoyed their time in Hickory with dear friends and colleagues often traveling together. They also loved their time together at Litchfield Beach and Cedar Mountain. In Hickory, they were members of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames, St. Michael’s Church, and was a Sustainer in the Junior League of Charleston. Ann loved arranging flowers, gardening, and had many fond memories of her time at The Flower Shop in Hickory.

In November 2017, she married Coy Johnston, who was a constant companion to her over the last eight years. They supported conservation efforts across the Lowcountry and spent time with their extended family.

She is survived by her daughter Croft Whitener Lane (Hugh); a brother, Paul Byrum jr. (Lynn); her husband Coy Johnston; her grandchildren: Lilla L. Clark (Patrick), Sophie L. Martin (Jarrett), Hugh C. Lane III (Carol), Roddey D. Whitener (Kaijie), and Wilson Stone Whitener; and seven great grandchildren: Charlotte Martin, Russell Martin, Julian Clark, Emma Clark, Alice Lane, Haru Whitener, and Cirilla Whitener.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Thomas Manly Whitener, her son Thomas Manly Whitener III, and brother Joseph Newton Byrum.

Memorials may be made to the Colonial Dames of South Carolina, Kanuga Conference Center, Faith Memorial Chapel (Cedar Mountain, NC), University of the South, Sewanee, Wofford College, Hammond School (Columbia), and Trinity Episcopal School (Charlotte).

Ann’s family will celebrate her life at a private, graveside service and burial at Christ Church Episcopal on Thursday, January 30th in Greenville, SC.