“Take My Hand, Precious Lord, Lead Me Home” was one of her favorite hymns and early in the morning on Monday, January 16, He did, as Bernice M. Johnston departed her earthy home for heaven.
She was born on May 20, 1930, the youngest child of Giles E. and Allie D. Morehead. Her parents; her husband, Paul D. Johnston; her sister, Dorothy M. Smith; and her brother, William E. Morehead, preceded her in death.
Left to cherish her memory and blessed by her love are three children: Paulette Kirk (husband, Johnny) of Blacksburg, Donna Mullins (husband, Bobby) of Blacksburg and David (wife, Alice) of Max Meadows; four grandchildren: Jason Kirk (wife, Kehinde) of McLeansville, North Carolina; Tina Russell (husband, Tom) of Blacksburg; Chris Mullins (wife, Morgan) of Bristow; and Jacob Mullins of Blacksburg; four great-grandchildren: Jaxon and Aaliyah Russell and Jordan and Jayden Kirk.
Her family was the joy of her life. “Granny” as she was commonly referred to, was a wonderful cook. She will long be remembered for her macaroni and cheese and chocolate cream pies.
She began a “career” in food service in the late 1960s when she went to work in the public school cafeterias, first at Gilbert Linkous Elementary and later as manager at Blacksburg High School. She “graduated” to Virginia Tech in January 1980.
She retired the first time in May 1992, shortly after the death of her husband. She returned to Virginia Tech’s Deitrick Dining Hall in January 1996 and retired for the second time in January 2012. It was there that she became known as “the biscuit lady”.
She was also known for her beautiful crochet work. You are truly blessed if you have any of her pieces in your possession. She loved her church and church family. In early years, she taught Sunday school classes and kept the nursery. She loved to sing and prepare food for families and church functions. She also served as secretary/treasurer of her Sunday school class.
While there is much rejoicing and a “heavenly” reunion taking place at this time, “Granny” will be missed by many. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to all her special friends and neighbors who offered support that helped her stay at her home as long as possible. In addition, we would like to say thanks to the staff and workers at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Christiansburg, who looked after “Granny” with love and care.
The services honoring her life will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Blacksburg First Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Bobby Moore officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. S.W. in Blacksburg.
While Bernice loved flowers and they are appreciated, donations to the Building Fund at Blacksburg First Wesleyan Church, 1406 Giles Rd., Blacksburg, are also being accepted in her memory.
