She was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and died in Norfolk, Virginia. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lighthouse keeper Loren E. Tillett, Sr. and Esmeralda M. Tillett, sisters, Merle Marie Tillett, Vilma Smith, Corinne Forehand, Anna Mae Hickman, and Esmeralda Watson and brothers, Loren E. Tillett, Jr., and Eleazer A. Tillett, Sr. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Claude E. Johnston, and a sister, Merle Carroll Hale, and two sisters-in-law, Shirley (Loren) Tillett and Phyllis (Eleazer) Tillett along with many nieces and nephews. Her three daughters, Sandy (Jim) Rhoades, Catherine (James) Stever and Julie Hollinger will miss her dearly.
Lioma’s legacy will live on through her five grandchildren, Justin Garrett (Malinda) Stever, Crystal (Travis) Putnam, Colin Bryant Stever, Katelynn Hollinger, and Daniel (Elise) Hollinger, Jr., and her eight great grandchildren which include Lucas, Kaelynn, Serenity, Kingsley, Holland, Kennedy, Linkin, and Elleyanna.
Lioma was known as a master gardener. She loved working in her yard and was delighted to share plants and flowers with everyone. Lioma was a caring and giving Christian woman and loved music. She was a long-time member of the East Coast Gospel Lighthouse church. Donations to her church, in lieu of flowers, are welcomed.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Johnston family.
