Louise Petty Johnston

Louise Petty Johnston, 94 of Pearisburg, VA, was born March 26, 1931, and passed away on March 4, 2026. She was a graduate of Bramwell High School in Bramwell, West Virginia and Bluefield Business College in Bluefield West Virginia. She met and married Robert Goode Johnston in Bluefield, West Virginia and lived in Pearisburg, Virginia for over 65 years.

While on this earth, Louise chose to be a true and faithful servant of God. She was a member of Pearisburg Presbyterian Church and served her church in numerous ways including fulfilling the roles of elder and choir member. In the Pearisburg community, she served as the President of Pearisburg Woman’s Club and a member of the local garden club. Louise especially enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society.

Most of all Louise loved and cherished her family. She tirelessly served her husband, Bob, and her children, Alan, David, and Mary Lou. Her seven grandchildren loved their visits with Grandma and fondly remember beach trips, storytelling festivals, and back porch swinging with her.

Louise is known for her love of flowers and at one point having her own greenhouse. She enjoyed making quilts for her grandchildren. She often included her grandchildren in quilt design, color selection, and materials. Many of us will remember the hundreds of delicious pound cakes that Louise made for family, friends, and church gatherings. Louise enjoyed leading the family's annual applesauce production. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Goode Johnston, her parents, Ella and Gaylord Petty, her brothers, Bain Patterson and Durwood Patterson, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Annie Belle and King Johnston. Louise is survived by her children, Alan Johnston (Peggy), David Johnston (Vicki), Mary McSwain (Tim), and seven grandchildren, Bobby Johnston, Taylor Johnston, Anna Weir (Boston), Will McSwain (Danielle), Jake Johnston (Kathleen), Annabelle McSwain, and Kate Johnston.

Memorials may be sent to Pearisburg Presbyterian Church (114 Easley Street Pearisburg, VA 24134) or Warm Hearth Foundation which supports the Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg, Virginia. Donations can be mailed to 2387 Warm Hearth Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2pm at the Pearisburg Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Steve Darr officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 – 7 pm at the Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.