GOLDIE ESTELLE LESLIE JOHNSTON

Mrs. Goldie Estelle Leslie Johnston of Murphy, NC departed this life on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the age of 71 at her residence.

Mrs. Johnston was born on June 14, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio. She was married in August of 1953 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Bob and Goldie served as Foster Parents in two different children's homes for 15 years. There are several of the men and women that grew up under their care that continue to hold them in high regard. Subsequent to their time as Foster Parents, Goldie went on to pursue a career in Nursing. She received her training and licensing from McDowell Technical Institute in Marion, NC. She served for approximately 30 years as an L.P.N. in various settings from Cardiac Intensive Care to Nursing Homes. While Goldie was a native of Ohio, in the later part of 1963 she visited the mountains of North Carolina. It was after that visit that she decided she never wanted to call anywhere else home. She loved taking long rides in the mountains and was amazed at the beauty of Mountain Laurel. Although hers and Bob's careers took them away from the mountains for many years God granted the desire of their heart to allow them to return to their home; The Mountains of North Carolina. Goldie was a part of the Church family at the Fields of the Wood Church of God of Prophecy in Murphy, NC. She considered them as part of her family and enjoyed their love and support. She was also an avid reader.

Mrs. Johnston was the daughter of the late Walter and Helen Leslie. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Robert D. (Bob) Johnston, Sr., and four grandchildren, Jason Dean Woods of Moline, Illinois, Amanda and Steven Woods of Morganton, NC and Angel Marie Johnston of Birmingham, Alabama.

Goldie is survived by her three children, Robert Dewey Johnston, Jr. and his wife Shirley of Marion, NC, Rhonda Susan Wise and her husband Dale of Moline, Illinois, Donald Johnston and his wife Sandra Dean of Murphy, NC and nine grandchildren, Donna, Randy, Ronnie, Allen, Mike, Kimberly, Stephanie, Tracey and Lavis Ann; 19 greatgrandchildren, one of which she was able to have a very special bond, Ms. Gabby Hubbard of Clanton, Alabama; two sisters, Jerri Thomas of Moline, Illinois and Sarah Leslie of Columbus, Ohio and many nieces and nephews who also hold Goldie dear.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Fields of the Wood Church of God of Prophecy in Murphy, NC. Pastor Don Johnston will officiate and be assisted by Rev. Gerald Mann, Rev. Ray Morrow and Bishop Wayne Hall.

The family received friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, May 5, 2008 at the Fields of the Wood Church of God of Prophecy in Murphy, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made In Memory of Goldie Estelle Leslie Johnston to the Fields of the Wood Church of God of Prophecy Home Missions Department, 9907 Hwy 294, Murphy, NC 28906.

You may send tributes to the Johnston family at www.mem. com or view other obits at www. townson-rose.com.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.