Freda Jo. “Gunter” Johnston Passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on August 25, 2025.
Freda was born on June 15, 1941, to Lee and Betty Gunter. She was a graduate of WCHS, Class of 1959. In 1966 she was one of the first women hired by Caterpillar where she retired after 35 years of service.
To Freda, God was not distant – He was her comfort, her guide and her closest friend. She was known for her warm heart, quick wit and loving devotion to her family. She was the thread that held it all together. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving daughters Gwen (Bob) Wilkins, Denise (Larry) Ross, Sheila (Kirk) Wilkins and Leila (Colin) Conner. Grandchildren Bobby (Jen) Wilkins, Amanda (Sean) Denny, Heather (Justin) Whyte, Adam (Marianna) Ross, Nikki (Tim) Freel, Lorne (Chrissy) Wilkins, Brook (Justin) Loock, Kyle (Megan) Huckaby and Faith Conner. From those grandchildren she was blessed with 28 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers David (Astrid) Gunter, Wayne Gunter and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Also a very special friend Ed Kapp.
Freda is preceded in death by her husband Earl “Butch” Johnston, grandchildren Daniel Disney and Mollie Conner plus numerous loved ones that met her at the pearly gates with open arms.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 30th from 5-7 pm, with services at 7 officiated by Pastor Jim Disney at Schubert Funeral Home in Wartburg. Interment will be on Sunday August 31st at 1pm at Mossy Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Harriman.
Schubert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Freda Jo. “Gunter” Johnston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1318 Knoxville Hwy P.O. Box 326, Wartburg, TN 37887
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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