Josie Marie Johnston

Josie was born in 1934 on a farm in Gayle, Louisiana. She was the firstborn of Elizabeth Biondo and Conrad Pizzolato. She lost her beloved father at the age of 14 and said she tried to be “super girl” to make up for the loss. She worked on the farm, excelled in school, was the editor of the yearbook, and still found time to work at a cafe after school and the general store on Saturdays. She said one of her biggest honors was being voted “Basketball Sweetheart” by the basketball team.

When Josie first met George Johnston, she didn’t take him seriously, because he was nine years older than her. But his maturity, his caring nature, and the way he made her feel special won her heart. They married when she was 18 years old. Motherhood came nine months later.

Josie loved being a stay-at-home mom to her five children and was involved in their many activities. Later, she worked as an office manager for Atlas Printing Ink for 17 years. She loved her Catholic faith and treasured her involvement with St. Rita Catholic Community, Mary Immaculate Church and the Christian Community of God’s Delight. Jesus was the center of her life.

George and Josie were known for their loving marriage, which lasted for 64 years, till George’s death in 2017. In 2020, Josie moved to Christus St. Joseph Village and never missed an opportunity to attend daily Mass and rosary. Her many doctor’s appointments were often planned around bingo, where she was in charge of keeping score. She treasured the friendships she made there. Josie loved people and sharing her life with others.

Josie was a prayer warrior to the end, praying for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by name each day. On the day she died, she was able to tell each of them, “I’ll love you forever,” either in person or by phone.

Josie is survived by children George (Lynne) Johnston Jr., Randy (Dot) Johnston, Tim (Cindy) Johnston, Chris (Robin) Johnston, and Brenda Powers; 21 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren (plus two on the way); and her sister Mary Ann Gentile.

Josie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; son-in-law Patrick Powers; parents Conrad Pizzolato and Elizabeth Gordon; stepfather Leonard Gordon; brothers Lynn, Victor and Samuel; and brother-in-law Bob Gentile.

Please join us in celebrating Josie’s life:

Sunday, July 14, 2024: 4:30 p.m Visitation 5:30 p.m. Rosary, followed by sharing at CHRISTUS St. Joseph Village 1201 E Sandy Lake Rd Coppell, TX 75019

Monday July 15th: 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at Mary Immaculate Church 2800 Valwood Pkwy Dallas, TX 75234. Due to problems with the facilities the reception has been moved. Following the Mass please proceed to Brookhaven Country Club located at 3333 Golfing Green Drive, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 for the reception. Enter at the main entrance and signs will direct you.

1:30 p.m. Burial at DFW National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy Dallas, TX 75211

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount St. Michael Catholic School in Josie’s name, who has been the longest grandparent at the school: www.msmcatholic.org or MSMCS, PO Box 225159, Dallas, TX 75222-5159