It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joye Delaine Johnston, who left us on September 14, 2024, at the age of 90. 

Joye was born on June 22, 1934, in Decatur, Texas to E.B. and Opal Virginia Fortenberry. After graduation Joye went to Decatur Baptist College where she met Dub Johnston. 

Shortly after, they moved to Corpus Christi to attend the University of Corpus Christi, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1955. Dub and Joye were married on 
April 17, 1954, until his death in 1987.

Joye was the heart of our family, a woman of incredible strength and unwavering love. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. 

She was not just a mother and grandmother, but a guiding light, offering wisdom, comfort, and joy to those around her. Her home was always a place of warmth, and the sound of laughter was ever-present. Joye never raised her voice, but you always knew when you were in trouble because she would give you “the look” or use her teacher voice.

Joye had an uncanny ability for shopping. She loved to shop with her granddaughters, sister, niece, and dear friends. If Joye was not shopping, she could be found watching sports while drinking her daily chocolate milkshake.

Beyond her family, Joye was a friend to many and an active member of the community. Joye joined the First United Methodist Church of Gainesville on September 15, 1988. She served on the Board of Directors for The Learning Tree and volunteered with the church in every way she could. Joye loved helping the children and was often found assisting with Children on Wednesday (COW), Vacation Bible School, and Backpack Buddies. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, making a difference in the lives of others.

Education was important to Joye, and she instilled that value in her granddaughters. She was a long-time teacher, retiring from the Gainesville State School – Texas Youth Commission in 1988. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Sorority, Texas Teachers Association, and Cooke County Retired Teachers Association.

Joye will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy is one of love, kindness, and resilience, a beacon that will continue to guide us.

She is survived by her daughters J’Lynne Johnston of Gainesville, TX, and Julie and husband Ricky Greene of Sadler, TX; granddaughters Jessica and husband Matt Nichols of Sadler, TX, and Jordan Greene of Nevada, TX; great-grandchildren Travis and Ellie Nichols; great-grand dog Willie, sister Gina Morris of Bedford, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Joye was preceded in death by her husband Dub Johnston, her father E.B. Fortenberry, and mother Opal Virigina Fortenberry. 

A memorial service honoring Joye’s life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville, TX.  The family will receive friends during a reception following the service.  Honoray Pallbearers will be Mark Morris, Joey Johnston, Jeff Smith, Matt Nichols, Mike Allred, and Ethan Fortenberry. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Kelli Gobel and the caregivers and staff of Angel Care Home Health, Wesley Oaks Memory Care, and Hospice Plus. You may register your condolences online at www.geojcarroll.com.