Judy Davenport Johnston, 76, of Vestavia Hills, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 after an extended illness. Her loving husband of 57 years was by her side. The daughter of Julius E. and Mary Ola Davenport, Sr., Judy was born on August 12, 1941 in Knoxville, TN. Following the family’s move to Birmingham, Judy attended Cunningham Elementary where she had fond childhood memories with her dear friends. Later, Judy graduated from Woodlawn High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Phi Beta Sorority, and Tattler staff and served as Library Club secretary, Savings Bank representative, and president of the Y-teen Club. She was the Region I winner of the Girls Club of America “Career Key” Scholarship Award at the 15th Annual Conference in Washington D.C. Following graduation, Judy attended UAB and married Fred, her high school sweetheart. Judy spent several years as a legal secretary before surrendering her professional career aspirations to care for her young family. In addition to her husband, H. Fred Johnston, Jr., Judy is survived by her three sons, Howard F. Johnston, III (Sharon), Jeffery Scott Johnston (Lori), and Michael Andrew Johnston; always “Mimi” to grandchildren Sarah Ann, Philip and Daniel (Howie); Matt, Caroline, Kathryn and Anna (Scott); Nathan and Amelia (Michael); sister-in-law Linda Davenport; and several loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Johnston was preceded in death by brothers Julius E. Davenport, Jr. and Marion Andrew Davenport; and sister, Elizabeth Davenport Blount. As a loving wife and mother, Judy was a wonderful hostess and homemaker. She cheerfully carted her sons and their friends to practices and games of all sorts while providing moral support to her husband in his business pursuits as second-generation owner of Tire Engineers. Judy worked tirelessly as a volunteer in various charitable endeavors. Time spent packing holiday pecans to fundraise for the benefit of autistic children became an annual investment. “Miss Judy” taught Sunday School to early childhood-aged children for more than 25 years. Assisting senior citizens with management of their personal matters was commonplace. Family reunions were high priority. Friends were always greeted with her warm and engaging smile. Judy was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church. While coalescing at home in recent years, she sent many cards with spiritual and encouraging notes tailored specifically to the recipient. As a long-suffering victim of Sjogren’s Syndrome, Judy’s life is a living testament to not ever give in or give up. She endured to the very end. She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. The family wishes to thank Judy’s “special angel”, Barbara Dunaway, many caregiver Hospice nurses, and housekeeper, Emily Kurari, for their love and attention. A funeral and celebration of life service will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church on Monday, August 13, 2018, at 12:00 Noon. Dr. Greg Corbin, Senior Pastor, and Dr. Stacey Boutwell, Executive Pastor, will officiate. The family will begin receiving friends at 10:30 a.m. Internment will take place at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, AL. with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts and bequests be made to Lakeside Baptist Church Building Fund, Allan Cott School, and Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation.
Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com.
