Anne W. Johnston

Anne Whittenburg Johnston passed away Sunday, December 8, entering the welcoming arms of her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Murray L. Johnston, Jr.

Born on June 14, 1942, in Amarillo, Texas, to Grace Evelyn McKee and Roy Robert Whittenburg, Anne grew up in the Texas Panhandle, surrounded by a large pioneering family whose legacy in ranching and entrepreneurship shaped her values of faith, family, and hard work. Anne was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She carried herself with grace, intelligence, and quiet strength, leaving a legacy of love and service.

A brilliant student, Anne graduated near the top of her class at Amarillo High School before earning her accounting degree from the University of Texas at Austin in just three years. She continued her education at UT’s School of Law, where she was one of only 40 women in the school and earned her Juris Doctor ahead of schedule. During her time at UT, Anne was selected as a Bluebonnet Belle and as Portia of the Law School, honors that reflected her grace, engagement with her fellow students, and the excellence with which she approached all endeavors.

Not only did Anne achieve much success as a student, more significantly, she met her future husband Murray and fell in love while in law school. They were married at First Presbyterian Church in Amarillo on September 4, 1965, and built a life together rooted in faith, love and mutual respect. Together, they raised two sons and Anne devoted herself to nurturing her family while supporting Murray’s legal career.Anne’s generosity and love extended beyond her family to her community. She was deeply involved in many charitable and Christian organizations throughout San Antonio and Texas. Anne was a member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church and the Texas State Bar Association. She helped found the Texas Lawyers Auxiliary, volunteered with the Cambridge Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization, was an active member of the Junior League of San Antonio, served on the Board of the Sarah Roberts French Home, and volunteered legal support to the Methodist Mission Home. Her service reflected her unwavering commitment to helping others.

When her sons were old enough, Anne returned to the full-time practice of law and became Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law. She was a dedicated and compassionate attorney, providing guidance and expertise to families throughout Texas for many years.

Anne and Murray shared a passion for travel. They explored the wonders of Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean together. As a gifted musician, Anne often enjoyed playing Beethoven on the piano, filling their home with beautiful music. Her greatest joy, however, came from her family, Anne was fiercely devoted to her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-granddaughter and took delight in passing down her faith in Christ, her love of prayer, and her passion for reading the Bible to her loved ones.

Anne is survived by her son Murray Lloyd Johnston III and his wife Ann Thomas Johnston of Alexandria, Virginia; son Roy Austin Johnston of San Antonio; grandson Murray Lloyd Johnston IV and his wife Kathryn Irene Johnston of Fairbanks, Alaska; granddaughter Margaret Griffin Johnston of Waco, Texas; and great granddaughter Theodora Louise Johnston of Fairbanks. The family would also like to thank Michael Briggs for his incredible care for Anne over the last several months; he truly became part of the family.

A memorial service will be held at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. A graveside service was held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Jones Creek, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please send remembrances to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921; the Murray L. Johnston, Jr. Research Endowment in Neuro-Oncology at UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive MC 7835, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900; or a charity of your choice.