Arlene Virginia Johnston

Arlene Virginia Johnston
Born - August 27, 1940. She departed from this earth and made her way to Heaven on January 26, 2024, living a long and full life of 83 years of age. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother She also had so many others in her life that became her chosen family like Louise best friend of over 40 years and her sisters who quickly adopted Arlene into their family as well. Those of us that were close to her know that she was definitely not perfect, but she did possess this unique ability to befriend, to love and to care for people unlike anyone whom I have ever known. God's love was evident in her love, care and servitude for other people. My grandma was a multifaceted woman born in Oregon, raised by her grandmother Minnie whom she cherished. My grandma was always hustling from selling encyclopedia door to door, mobile homes, cocktail waitress to bartender in the 70's to selling Mary Kay and finally starting her own business Huggy Bear Daycare which she operated for over 30 years. Oh and no one will forget about her beloved rubber stamps and endless crafts she came to love later in life. Through running her own business she touched the lives of so many other families that came to call her friend and grandmother.
The countless memories that people must have of this wonderful woman is probably unmatched by most, and the fact that she could make a difference in that many people's lives, loving them all on an individual level speaks volumes of her as a person. She was a God-fearing woman and the love of God shined brightly through her; every single person whose life my grandmother touched was a testament to that. The way that she put others' needs in front of her own and the love that she selflessly shared with anybody that would receive it was second to none.
Then there was her immediate family, compromised of 9 children (of birth and by choice), 23 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren, beloved nephew Ed, wife Tory and their lovely tribe, as well as a sister Marie and her beautiful girls, now please give this author grace I needed a calculator when it came to great grandchildren and beyond. This does not include her chosen family and the many daycare children who considered her a grandma. I will let them tell you about their own stories in the thoughts and comments to follow, but here are a couple that stick out in my mind. The wedge between her daughter's (my mother) relationship was mended and turned into a beautiful mother daughter bond and friendship. I could give you story after story of my memories of her as her grandson, but just the fact that she raised me as if I were her own child, I know, speaks for itself.
This brief summary of my grandmother's life does her no justice, so we would love to see your memories posted in the comments so that we can keep her memory alive. I will definitely be making a more detailed memory in the comments that you guys will be able to see. I encourage you all to do the same. Thank you for being a part of my grandmother's life. You will definitely be missed greatly GRANDMA. We love you.
Arlene is in heaven with her loved ones that proceeded her in death including her great grandson Jordan, her daughter Karla, son Jeff, ex-husband Jim, sister Carol, brother Ron, niece Robin.