Grace M. Johnston's Obituary
Grace M. Johnston, 90, of Akron, died Saturday June 19, 2004 at VNS Hospice Care Center in Akron. Her parents, William and Elizabeth (Clayton) Earp arrived at Ellis Island from England in 1896. They settled in East Liverpool, Ohio and later moved to Sebring where her father and eventually Grace worked for the Royal China Company. Grace was very proud of her English heritage. Grace was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Akron. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and remained active through her recent 90th birthday celebration on April 2, 2004. She enjoyed her dinners at the Elks Club, trips to The Greenbrier, and playing cards with her daughters and granddaughters. She had a sharp wit and remained independent until her recent illness. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Grace had five sisters; Elizabeth, Mildred, Gertrude, Nellie and Dorothy, all of whom preceded her in death. Nellie and Grace were the first twins born in Sebring. Her late husband, Lester B. Johnston, was an avid golfer and a star on the undefeated 1932 Alliance High School basketball and football teams. They were married in 1936 and eventually moved to Akron where they raised their three daughters, Janice O'Connor of Deerfield Beach, Florida, Elizabeth McMullen of Akron and Kimberly (Donald) Switzer of Westlake. In addition to her daughters, Grace is survived by three grandchildren, Kelly (Nick) Haas, Jennifer McMullen and Rachael Switzer, two great granddaughters, Amanda and Erin Haas, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Sharer Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home on Thursday, June 24, 2004, from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Don Engle officiating. Interment will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park.
What’s your fondest memory of Grace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Grace?
Share a story where Grace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Grace you’ll never forget.
How did Grace make you smile?