Iva Johnston
Iva Glass Johnston, who like the Apostle Paul, said, “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," went home to be with the Lord on July 15, 2017.
She was a devoted Christian, a loving wife to Billy, and a model of a loving parent to her children Alan and Donna, and she was “Nanny” to her grandchildren and great-grands. Her life was truly given to the service of others, and many considered her their confidant and counselor. She truly embodied the directive of Jesus Christ who said we “should love others even as we love ourselves.” She loved to write and kept extensive journals recording her prayers and thoughts from the many hours spent studying the Bible and praying. She was a native of Alabama and had resided in Chattanooga for the past 24 years. She was a member of Silverdale Baptist Church where she was an active member until her health began to decline.
Iva was preceded in death by her husband Billy J. Johnston, and by her parents as well as many of her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her son Alan (Judy) Johnston of Chattanooga, and her daughter Donna (Glen) Dunagan of Tuscaloosa, AL. She is also survived by her grandchildren Joy (Charles), Amanda, Jennifer (Alfred), and Jonathan (Allison). There are great-grandchildren Katie, Maggie, Alex, Frannie, Gabe, Alexa, Addie and great-grandson Benjamin, all of whom were greatly loved by “Nanny.” She is also survived by two sisters Imogene Crook and Ila Partain, many nieces and nephews and many life- long friends who were like family to her.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the East Brainerd Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home on Monday, July 17, from 3-8 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel on East Brainerd Road.
A celebration of her life well lived, and memorial to her faith, will be held on Tuesday, July 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the East Brainerd Chapel and burial will take place at National Cemetery. The memorial service will be led by Reverend Travis Jones, Dr. Ron Phillips, and Dr. Alan Johnston.
In lieu of flowers, Iva stated that donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mid South Division, 7625 Hamilton Park Drive, #6, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421 (423) 265-3600 in honor of Judy Johnston would please her.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com