Josephine Lauretta Johnston

Josephine Lauretta Rich Johnston died in Petersburg, VA on October 20, 2013. She was born on March 19, 1924 in Thompson, PA, the daughter of the late Saverio Rich and Giavonna DiCongelio. She is survived by the Rev. Robert Owen Johnston, her husband and friend of 61 years; their children Robert (Karen Blynn), Jeffrey, Laura Stephens, Lee Anne Hecker (Charles Hecker), Edna (Ann Lloyd Breeden), and Sarah; and four grandsons, Maxwell Hecker, Oscar Hecker, Jacob Johnston, and Paul Stephens. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Ann and Jean Rich and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five siblings and one grandchild. She was a graduate of Indiana State Teachers College. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Before her marriage she taught high school in Point Marion, PA. Education remained a passion throughout her life. She taught Upward Bound at Hampton Institute and Virginia State University, was one of the leaders that helped bring a library to Dinwiddie, and was active in numerous community organizations. The funeral will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Calvary Episcopal Church (All Saints Chapel) 14211 Courthouse Rd, Dinwiddie, VA. The Rev. Charles Kettlewell will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Indian Education Foundation, P O Box 27491, Albuquerque, NM 87125.