Hazel Beaver Johnston

Hazel Beaver Johnston passed away in Nacogdoches, Texas on February 15, 2017. Born in Englewood, Tennessee on September 13, 1917, Hazel Inez was the third child born to Howard Malcolm and Theodosia Watson Beaver. Hazel and James Estel Johnston were married on June 8, 1937, in Armona, Tennessee. Estel passed away on June 30, 2008. Hazel and Estel were the parents of James Estel Johnston, Jr. (deceased 1957); Howard Melvin Johnston (deceased 1966); Kerma Murray; Alan Johnston (Kathy); and Jane Chambers (Richard). They were the proud grandparents to Tina, Kim, and Teri; Jill and Casey; Earl, Julie, Eric, and Hunter. Hazel is survived by twenty four great-grandchildren. Hazel and Estel were faithful and devoted members of First Baptist Church Alcoa for many years. They shared a deep love for missions and for spreading the gospel. It was in the 1950’s that the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) transferred Estel to Washington state. While living in the Northwest, Hazel and Estel partnered with another couple to establish Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church in Wenatchee, Washington. In the 1950’s Hazel served as Superintendent of the Women’s Missionary Union for the Wenatchee Valley Association and as State Director for Community Missions. She served as Associational WMU Director and as church WMU President in Tennessee, Washington, and Texas. In every church Hazel and Estel attended, they served as teachers and leaders with their gift of teaching and love of music driving their ministries. Hazel was the church pianist/organist while Estel led the singing and sang in the choir. Hazel and Estel passed their love of music along to their children. Many an evening was spent around the piano; Hazel played piano while Estel strummed the guitar, banjo, and/or fiddle. Anyone present was encouraged to join in song. Hazel was an accomplished homemaker. Her adeptness in cooking and sewing benefited family and friends. The happiest of times were spent in preparation for holiday dinners and special times when the grandchildren arrived for a visit. Hazel’s chicken and noodles and angel biscuits complemented Estel’s fresh vegetables from his garden. Meal times were special times filled with delicious food and sweet fellowship. Estel’s stories fed the conversation while Hazel’s food satisfied every appetite. Words learned in Sunday School as a child served as the motto by which Hazel Beaver Johnston lived all her days – “I’ll do the best I can where I am with what I have for Jesus’ sake today.” The service to celebrate the life of Hazel Beaver Johnston is set for 1:30 on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Smith Mortuary in Maryville with burial at Clarks-Grove Cemetery immediately following. Earl Roberson, grandson, will serve as officiant. Visitation with family and friends is scheduled from 12:30 – 1:30 at Smith. Those wanting to express condolences with a memorial may make a donation to First Baptist Church Alcoa. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Hazel Beaver Johnston please visit our Sympathy Store.