Lucille Johnston

Lucille Minnie Melvin Johnston, 88, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away with family by her side on July 15, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel William Russell Johnston. Viewing and fellowship will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg, VA, on July 24, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. At 7:30 pm a short service will be held with Reverend Jerry M. Haywood, officiating. A private family graveside service will be conducted Friday, July 25, 2014 at Belle Haven Cemetery. Lucille was born in Suffolk, Virginia to John Samuel and Ella Mae Melvin. She lived on Hog Island off the Eastern Shore of VA. After graduating high school in Exmore she moved to the Hampton Roads area where she contributed to the war effort by joining the Civil Service. While working at Camp Patrick Henry she met her husband, William Russell Johnston, an officer in the United States Army. As a military wife, Lucille served in many capacities for both the Army and church affiliations across the country and in Japan and Germany. Lucille volunteered for many organizations to follow - Grey Lady (Hospital Volunteer), Hospice, Jail Ministry, Children's Church Nursery, Girls' Auxiliary, Women on Missions and Meals on Wheels. Lucille was an active member of Walnut Hills Baptist Church since 1972. As a devout Christian and servant of the Lord, she became the first lady deacon of Walnut Hills Baptist Church. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and a member of the Army Officers Wives Club. She was an avid square dancer and enjoyed live theatre. A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, Lucille loved everyone and touched the hearts of those she met by setting the example to "love thy neighbor". She lived a good life and will be greatly missed. Lucille is survived by her daughter, Deborah Sue Johnston and husband, Jay Overholt; daughter, Judith Lynne Johnston; son, William Eric Johnston; a granddaughter, Forrest Cayce DeLuca and grandson, Sky Weston DeLuca; a nephew, Richard J. Kellam and wife Connie of the Eastern Shore, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on line at https://www.cff.org. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Patriot's Colony of Williamsburg and Riverside Hospice and Palliative Care Center for their support in Lucille's final days. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Local arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.