Sheena W. Johnston

Sheena Wood Johnston, 77, of Little Rock, Ark., peacefully went to be with her Lord and Saviour on November 9, 2024. Born January 8, 1947, to William Johnston and Barbara Dickie Johnston in Glasgow, Scotland. She was the cherished younger sister to brothers Greer and Allan. Sheena pursued her nursing studies at Glasgow Western Infirmary, Scotland, and after caring for her own parents, moved to Brechin, Scotland, where she nursed for seven years.

In September of 1979, she took a leap of faith and emigrated to Little Rock, Arkansas, and never looked back! She was employed as a nurse by Baptist Health Medical Center - Little Rock. Her career began on 4A in general surgery, she then became unit supervisor for orthopedics, before finally transferring to Baptist Health Home Health in 1991. She worked there until her retirement on December 31, 2012. 

After retiring from nursing, Sheena stayed in touch with her colleagues over monthly luncheons. They were not only colleagues, but life-long friends known as “The Jammies.”

During her rewarding nursing career, Sheena also found time to do other things she loved. Sheena was an accomplished seamstress, and many a bride’s special day was made all the more beautiful with Sheena’s skilled help. Sometimes only a few alterations were required; other times different dresses were pieced together; or a new dress was sewn from scratch - usually without a pattern. Instead, Sheena would make a mock-up with different material, then use the bridal material for the final dress. Occasionally, Sheena took a family heirloom or vintage dress, and transformed it into the bride’s vision. Many of Sheena’s beautiful brides were featured in the Sunday editions of the High Society section.

Sheena’s Christian faith was lived out in practical acts of service, kindness, love and concern for others less fortunate. She had an amazing memory, was the fount of knowledge on family history and could regale you with many amazing stories. She had a great sense of humor and had a quick response to every situation.

Sheena also loved to travel. While there were many trips back to her home country of Scotland and the UK, she also traveled to other destinations including: Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Hong Kong, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved brother Allan, and her dog Hercules. She is survived by her brother Greer and sister-in-law Moira; sister-in-law Hilda Johnston; niece Nicola and Simon Ennis; nephews Stewart and Elizabeth Johnston; Alistair and Maria Johnston; Ian and Terina Johnston; Johnny and Hannah Johnston; and several cousins and great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a host of friends who loved her like family, and whom she loved like family.

A special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at the Hospice Home Care Comfort Care Center in Little Rock. 

The Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 PM Monday, November 18, at the Smith Family Funeral Home located at 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock. 

Memorials may be made to The Church at Rock Creek (www.churchatrockcreek.com) or to the Little Rock Animal Village (www.friendsoftheanimalvillage.org). 

Watch her service live here: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/-0AlVzpvNho?si=TGk5ptNQl8RbB3_o