Donald Lamont Johstono, Sr.
January 25, 1927 - July 9, 2017
Macon, GA- Mr. Donald Lamont Johstono, Sr. went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, July 9, 2017 following a brief illness. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00AM at Riverside United Methodist Church with the Reverend Chip Strickland officiating. A visitation will be held one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Methodist Children's Home, 304 Pierce Avenue, Macon, GA 31204.

Mr. Johstono was born on January 25, 1927 in Macon, Georgia where, with few exceptions, he spent his life. He graduated from Lanier High School, and Wesleyan Music Conservatory and served in the United States Army.

Mr. Johstono was a public school teacher, teaching and instructing in both instrumental and choral music. While he retired in 1993, he continued to teach private lessons for several years. He was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school for nearly 20 years.

Mr. Johstono is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betsy Garner Johstono; five children, Donald L. Johstono, Jr. of Macon; Sharon Johstono Bennett (Mike) of Tifton, GA; Melissa Johstono Grater (Tim) of Knoxville, TN; Cathy Johstono Stewart (Steve) of Macon and Michael Ray Johstono (Crystal) of Macon; grandchildren, Paul Johstono (Laura) of Charleston, SC, David Johstono (Lindsey) of Leesburg, GA, Amy Johstono of Lady Lake, FL, Kristen Bishop (Matthew) of Macon, Lindsay Carter (Daron) of Tifton, GA, Alexis Bennett of Tifton, GA, Mary Ridley and Charlotte Grater, of Knoxville, TN, Leah Stewart of Macon, Hannah Johstono of Clarkesville, TN and Nicholas Johstono of Macon; great grandchildren, Henry Johstono of Charleston, SC, Grayson Bishop of Macon and Casen Carter of Tifton. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.

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Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangement.

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Published by The Telegraph on Jul. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Johstono

30 Entries

Mary Claire (Johstono) Fleener

July 4, 2019

Today, I'm remembering how this man loved his family which I'm honored included me, one of his dearly loved nieces

July 18, 2017

I became emotionally attached the instant I met you.

Bert, R.N.

Gina Wainwright

July 18, 2017

What a precious man...loved sitting in his music room listening to Conor's sax lessons.
Sending prayers.

Mary Claire Johstono Fleener

July 15, 2017

I will be with you in spirit and prayer today. So sorry I could not be there. Uncle Donald and Aunt Betsy have been so special to me and I will miss him. I have wonderful memories and a confidence and comfort knowing he is in the arms of Jesus and his entire family. Please give a gentle loving hug to Aunt Betsy for me. Love you all. Mary Claire

Lynn Thomas Landrum

July 15, 2017

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

JoAlice Patterson Welton

July 12, 2017

I am so very sorry to learn of the passing Mr. Don. I had thought he was doing better and was going to rehab. I'm just in shocked he is gone! He was a wonderful and well respected man, as well as a talented musician, who shall be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I remember him and 'Miss' Betsy so well; spent many of my young years playing at the house ... since our families lived across street from each other....with Sharon and Melissa. My sincere and heartfelt condolences at this sad time. I'm sure there's a lot of music going on in Heaven now with Mr. Don leading the way. I send my sympathy, love and hugs to all.

Gracie Pinson

July 12, 2017

Our prayers are with you all. I remember the pain with my dad died. So sorry Melissa, last I heard Tim said he was doing better

Tabitha Barnes

July 11, 2017

This completely breaks my heart. I am so very sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I was praying everything would get better and he would be home to celebrate that 65th anniversary. I hope you all know how sorry I am for your loss. He will always be that patient that I will never forget

Don and Meyling McKinney

July 11, 2017

Sorry to learn about your and your family's loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May each of you find strength at this time through your faith. Our sincere sympathies,

Adrian and Lisa Marsh

July 11, 2017

Dearest Grater and Johstono ~ Adrian and I send you and yours our deepest condolences regarding your beloved Father and Grandfather. To live in the hearts we leave behind is never to die. People we once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. Adrian and I stand in prayer over your entire family as you all return father Donald as Ecclesiastes 3:20 states, "All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return." Father Donald truly is apart of each of YOU! Much love to the Grater and Johstono Family. If Adrian or I can be of any help please let us know. Please give our love to your family we know this will be very hard for you all.

Donna Kurtz

July 11, 2017

One of my favorite people in the world! Mrs. Betsy, you are the other one!!! I love you both dearly! My heart is so very sad.

WILBUR WATTS

July 11, 2017

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DONS PASSINGS.

Evan Jones

July 11, 2017

Don was a good friend to everyone he met. My first band director in the fifties. So glad I saw him on his birthday, and he always ask about my wife. He will be missed but his memory will always be there.

Jeynell Snow Goodson

July 11, 2017

Mr Johstono was one of the individuals in my life that made a difference. In 1958 I was a little girl whose father was dying and I was so lost. He showed such kindness to me and although I probably was not the best he let me be a head majorette in the North/east elementary band. God bless you for giving me hope in a hopeless time, worth in a worthless world. I know you are teaching the angels how to make music.

Alison Evans, CEO The Methodist Home

July 11, 2017

On behalf of the children, staff and Trustees of the Methodist Home, we offer our sincere condolences in the loss of our friend, Mr. Johstono. I will be out of time on the day of the service but will have you on my mind and in my prayers!

Chet Burchfield

July 11, 2017

It is a true privilege to be able to call Don a friend. Many great memories of his performances and talents. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and keep you.

D Stevenson

July 11, 2017

I am so sorry for your great loss. It is always so very hard to lose a loved one in death. God understands your loss and is near to all those calling on him in prayer. May you look to God for comfort to endure during this most difficult time. Psalm 145:18

Wendell Harrelson

July 11, 2017

So sad, just found that Don has left us. Taught me clarinet beginning 1956. Wonderful friend forever. My love to Betsy and family.

Steve Chanin

July 11, 2017

Don got me started on my musical career with drum lessons and a gig with the Bud Hinton band. My condolences to all the members of the Johstono family.

July 11, 2017

Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is a great one. I am praying for you and your family. Love Gail McKinney

MARCEL T

July 11, 2017

May ALMIGHTY GOD who " binds up the brokenhearted " and " comfort all who mourn " sustain your family during this challenging time ( ISAIAH 61:1,2 ) With heart felt sympathy to you and your family.

Tam Griffin, RN

July 11, 2017

Cathy, my heart hurts with yours. Though death is inevitable, it stings terribly. Your daddy sounds like one of a kind. No cliches' from me. Know you are loved. Embrace every moment of the next few days. Laugh, cry, step away...do what u gotta do.

Nancy Strong Smith

July 10, 2017

Betsy and all of family are in my prayers. Your Daddy was such a joy to be around. You couldn't help but love him!

Bryan Cox

July 10, 2017

I'll miss you Uncle Don. You were always one of a kind.

Susan Krysalka

July 10, 2017

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I remember how special he was to you. You always spoke of him with such love and respect. I loved to hear you talk about your family because of the obvious love you all had for each other. You will be in my prayers. Much love.

Eric Burke

July 10, 2017

I have many good memories of your dad. Please know we are thinking of you.

Blessie, Tri and Patricia Tran

July 10, 2017

Please accept our sincere condolences. May he Rest In Peace!

Brenda & Johnny Swank

July 10, 2017

Cathy & Sharon, we are so sorry for your lost. I meet your dad many years ago and aways thought very highly of him. May God wrap his arms around each of you and your family and bring comfort during the day to come. You all will be in our Thoughts and Prayers. We Love You ❤ Hugs

Denise Paulk

July 10, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

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