JOHNSTON, Edith Rushton, a lifetime resident of Montgom­ery, died on February 28, 2009.  She was born on August 22, 1920 in Gloucester, Massa­chusetts to Colonel and Mrs. Marion Rushton and was mar­ried to the late Watkins Cook Johnston. Edith exemplified her love for this city through her generous contributions of time and talent to a wide vari­ety of civic and cultural orga­nizations. Her interest in histo­ry, antiques and preservation came together when she served as a member of the founding Board of Directorsof Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery in the late 1960's and early 1970's. She was also very involved with the Montgomery Museum, the Shakespeare Theatre and many other community orga­nizations. As a devoted mem­ber of the Church of the As­cension, Edith spearheaded the needlepoint committee which designed the kneelers in the church. She was also a member of the Altar Guild and taught Sunday School for many years.  Edith delighted in all the pleasures of her gar­den, especially in sharing its bounty and her vast botan­ical knowledge with family and friends. An ardent bridge player, Edith tempered many a game with her subtle, clev­er wit that kept both partners and opponents entertained, no matter the score. She per­sonified the genteel Southern culture and strength of her time. Her greatest pleasure was her children and grand­children who include: Wat and Carol Johnston, Frank and Hattie Boo Johnston, Ray and Helen Johnston, Edith Johnston Crook, Watkins and Jamie Johnston, Myra and Jason Dorey, Mason and Gin­ny Johnston, Frank and Daphne Johnston, Brice and Susan Johnston, Ray John­ston, Theresa Johnston,McDowell and Mary Pat Crook, Caroline Crook, Jim Crook and eleven great-grandchildren. Her devoted caregivers were Lillie Patton, Dollie Robinson, Shirley Pur­due and Millie Croskey.  Pallbearers will be: Watkins Johnston, Mason Johnston, Frank Johnston, Brice John­ston, McDowell Crook, Jason Dorey, Ben Stakely and Harry Stakely. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. in Ascension Hall at the Church of the Ascension fol­lowed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at Green­wood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Ave, Montgom­ery, Alabama 36104.  Leak-Memory Chapel Directing.
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Funeral Home: LEAK MEMORY
Publication Date: 03/04/2009