Obituary

Gloria elizabeth (edwards) johnston, 83 , died on december 28, 2014 at genesis health center-putnam center. Her death was due to a brief illness related to the flu and pneumonia. Her family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the loving care she received from the staff at putnam center.

Gloria was born on may 14, 1931 in albany, ny, one of five children of her late parents, cornelius martin and madeline hurd edwards. She was raised in albany and, with her husband moved to charleston, wv in 1953. She has resided in the charleston area since that time.

She was a member of the st. Matthew’s episcopal church and former member of st john’s, good shepherd and all saints episcopal churches. She was active in church women’s groups, bible study groups, church choirs and as a church school teacher. She also served as a team member on the episcopal church cursillo weekends and st. Matthews alpha program.

She was also a girl scout leader, member of the montrose garden club and led a jr. Garden club groups. She was a former member of the anne bailey chapter of the dar and the charleston civic chorus.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, martin a. Edwards, and richard b. Edwards; sister, corrine e. Wiseman; brother-in-laws, robert fox, charles lamby, harry c. Harvey, e. Robert wiseman; sister-in-law, janet j. Lamby.

Gloria is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, c. Leonard johnston, of south charleston, wv; daughters, linda c. Johnston, of south charleston, wv and bonnie c. Smith of s. Williamson, ky; sister, marie e. Fox, of burton, mi; grandchildren, stephanie casey pierce and her husband, michael of upper arlington, oh ; elisha r. Smith of huddy, ky, kathleen e. Smith of pikeville, ky; and matthew k. Smith of s williamson, ky; great-grandchildren, serenity jade, owen casey, jazzmynn sky, amberlyn jade and evelyn jane.

She is also survived by sister-in-laws; laurel edwards of albany, ny, mary jean edwards of madison, ct and kathryn j. Harvey of sarasota, fl; nephews, richard, stephen and james fox of mi; scott edwards of albany, ny; robin wiseman of providence, ri, and christopher wiseman of pawtucket, ri; nieces, elizabeth oswald of madison, ct, andrea edwards of albany, ny and karen lamby james of sarasota, fl.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.M., saturday, january 17, 2015 at st. Matthews episcopal church, located at bridge and norwood roads, in charleston, wv, the rev. John hagan, rector of st. Matthews will officiate at the service. The family will hold an interment of ashes in the st. Matthews columbarium at a future date.

A reception will be held in the church parish hall immediately following the service. The family will greet and visit with friends in the parish hall, in conjunction with the reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a memorial gift be made to st matthews episcopal church memorial fund, 36 norwood road, charleston, wv 25314 or to a charity of donor’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.Barlowbonsall.Com or to: gloria e. Johnston family, c/o barlow bonsall funeral home, 118 virginia st., east, charleston, wv 25301.

Barlow bonsall funeral home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.