Zelda Bell Johnston's Obituary
Zelda Sayre (Bell) Johnston was born on October 5, 1925 in Greenville, Texas to John Thomas and Arla Bell. She died on September 14, 2024 in Longview, Texas just three weeks shy of her 99th birthday. Zelda was the youngest of three children that survived childhood with older brothers JT and Cecil (Ike) Bell. Her family moved to Longview in 1937 and were Charter Members of Wesley Methodist Church. Zelda was honored in November, 2019 as being the last living Charter Member of what was the Wesley McCabe Methodist Church.
Zelda was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and husband Richard Johnston, son Rex Johnston and grandson Graham Johnston. She is survived by the following: son Rick Johnston of Longview, son and daughter-in-law Randy and Debbie Johnston of Driftwood, Texas, grandsons Ryan Johnston and wife Jessica of Driftwood, Eric Johnston and wife Lynsie of San Antonio, Luke Johnston of Lake Cherokee, Brent Johnston of Longview and granddaughter-in-law Erin Johnston of Grand Prairie. Great grandchildren include Jordan Johnston of Grand Prairie, Reid and Harper Johnston of Driftwood, Leighton and Easton Johnston of San Antonio, Bradyn Johnston of Longview and numerous nieces and nephews, including special niece Karen Pritchett of Gilmer.
Zelda worked at Harmon General Hospital (located on what is now the LeTourneau University campus) during World War II and then at Longview National Bank before becoming a stay-at- home mother to her boys. She was active for many years in the Dorcas Bible Club, Friday Bridge Club and the Greenshire Neighborhood Club along with being an active member of the Wesley Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Rick Johnston, Randy Johnston, Ryan Johnston, Eric Johnston, Luke Johnston, Brent Johnston, Reid Johnston and Stephen Bell.
Services are scheduled for Thursday, September 26th at 2:00pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Visitation is scheduled prior to the service from 1:00pm – 2:00pm in the Chapel at Radar Funeral Home. Graveside services at Grace Hill Cemetery will be held immediately following the funeral service.
The family would like to thank the management and staff at Buckner Westminster Place for the care provided to Zelda during her stay there as well as to Hospice Plus for being with her in her final days.
Memorials can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, MD Anderson Cancer Hospital or the charity of your choice in Zelda’s memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Zelda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Zelda?
Share a story where Zelda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Zelda you’ll never forget.
How did Zelda make you smile?
