Irene H. Johnston

Irene (Rene) Huggins Johnston, age 87, went to be with the Lord on August 22, after an extended illness. Born in Athens, Georgia, her parents were Addie Kenimer Huggins and Percy Lamar Huggins, a pioneer Athens family. The youngest of five children, she attended Athens public schools and graduated from the University of Georgia, as did her brother and three sisters. At Georgia, she received a degree in fine arts and in later years was a talented watercolorist. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and served as chapter president in 1942. She was married to Dr. M. Harlan Johnston for almost 64 years. He survives her a well as daughters Susan Irene Johnston Abernathy (Chip) and Catherine 'Cathy' Huggins Johnston Day (Ted). Her family meant everything to her and she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her grandchildren called her 'Missy' and she loved each of them dearly; James Harry 'Jake' Abernathy, III (Allyson), Luke McDonald Abernathy (deceased), Peter Harlan Abernathy (Ashley), Christopher Harlan Day (Allison) and Rachel Irene Day White (Aaron). Her great grandchildren are Chandler Grace and William Harry Abernathy, Emma Grace and Jacob Michael Day, Katelyn Kenimer and James Conner 'Jake' White and Peter Harlan 'Doc' Abernathy, Jr. Rene was a member of Ortega Methodist Church for over fifty years. She was a Sunday School teacher, member of the Altar Guild and of the Women's Society. She was an avid golfer at Timuquana Country Club and Wade Hampton Club in North Caroline. At Timuquana, she was a member of 'Mrs. Mann's Wednesday Golf Group' for over forty years. A talented gardener, she loved her rose garden in Jacksonville and her beautiful peonies at her summer home in North Carolina. She was a member of Acacia Garden Circle. Rene's incredible strength and resiliency during her last illness is surpassed only by her beauty and grace. To quote one of her good friends, 'Her grace enriched the world'. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Ortega Methodist Church, 4809 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32210 or Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. A memorial service will be held at Ortega Methodist Church on Thursday, August 26th at 11:00 A.M. Arrangements entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., 388-2711.