Mildred McHaney Johnston's Obituary
Mildred was born to Will Eanes McHaney and Ellen Elizabeth Penick in Longview, Texas, on December 11, 1926 as a 3rd generation McHaney in Longview. She attended and graduated from Longview High School in 1943 and then attended Christian College in Columbia Missouri and Texas Christian University. She married Gordon Clayton Johnston in 1946, and celebrated 53 years of marriage before his death in 1999.
They were blessed with six children, Kathy Jackson (Allen) of Longview, Gordon Clayton “Clay” Johnston Jr. (Debbie) of Longview, Mark Johnston (Jean Ann) of Austin, Elaine Kauffman of Longview, Beth Ylitalo (Jon) of Longview, and Kent Johnston (Melanie) of Porter, Texas. She has 16 grandchildren: Chris, Clayton, Amy, Angie, Trey, Jilanna, Clark, Margaret, Blaine, Jay, Judson, Adam, Alec, Lauren, Meredith, and Amon, and 23 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
Mildred was a lifetime member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where her parents were members as well as maternal and paternal grandparents, and are represented by stained glass windows in the sanctuary at the church.
Mildred served in many areas at her Church, teaching in various departments of church school for over 30 years and serving on various functional ministries, such as Property, Outreach, Education, Memory Garden, Memorial gifts and Minister’s Search Committee. The highlight was when she was elected to serve as Elder Emeritus, along with her husband, Gordon, in the 1970’s. She was a volunteer hostess at Bethany Home, an outreach ministry, for many years. There is a special spot for plants and flowers as you enter one of the doors to the sanctuary that Mildred tended to as long as she was able.
She opened her home to the community and church for the Childrens’ YMC and Church Day Camps, the youth, school groups and garden clubs. She was a member of Garden Clubs, D.A.R., Federated Women, Heritage Bible Club, Gregg Historical Museum, Longview Art Museum, Pinecrest and Cherokee Clubs.
Her favorite past-times were reading, walking and working with flowers. She and her husband traveled extensively to all parts of the world.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, her parents, her two sisters, May Evelyn McHaney Johnson of Dallas and Elizabeth Ann McHaney Priddy of Midland, Texas, and a nephew, Rick Henderson.
Mildred is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, 6 nieces and 3 nephews and sister-in-law, Jane Akins.
Our special thanks go to her long-time friend Jessie Andrews, to her caregivers Rita Anderson, Compassionate Caregivers, Right at Home and to Highland Park Home Health, who gave of themselves to give her the best care possible.
There will be a visitation at her home, 1406 LeDuke Blvd on Friday, March 17, 2017, 5:00-7:00 pm, and a memorial service Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 am at First Christian Church, Longview under direction of Rader Funeral Home. A private family graveside will be held prior to the memorial service.
Memorials can be made to First Christian Church Property Fund, 720 N. 6th Street, Longview, TX 75601.
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