Vera Johnston

(From Parker Mortuary)

Vera Margaret Johnston, age 93, Joplin, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2015 at Spring River Christian Village.

Vera was born March 22, 1922 in Redfield, Kansas to the late Clyde Henry Comstock and Mabel Gunsaullus Comstock and had lived in Joplin since 1952 moving from Fort Scott, Kansas.

She owned and operated Vera's Beauty Salon out of her home for 20 years, retiring in 1987. Vera was a long time member of Byers Avenue United Methodist Church. She was involved with several groups and activities including the Tri M Sunday School Class; the morning circle group and a 20 year volunteer with the Festival of Sharing project.

Vera also volunteered at Crosslines and at the Alzheimer's Association. She was a 12 year board member at the YWCA; member of L'Ametia; National United Methodist Campers, Ozark Chapter #10 and a certified H.A.M. radio operator, using the call sign 'N0EEI'.

She married Kenneth L. Johnston on November 9, 1941 in Redfield, Kansas. He preceded her in death on October 16, 2005.

Vera was also preceded in death by a son, Roger Johnston; a grandson, Ryan Johnston; one sister, Mary Ellen Potter and three brothers, Fredric Comstock, Harold Comstock and Leon Comstock.

Survivors include two daughters, Elaine Smith and her husband, James R., Joplin, Virginia Bogert and her husband, John, Springfield; one sister, Dorothy Holder, Seattle, Washington; grandchildren, Rikki Smith, Jamie Boyd, Brian Bogert, Dylan Johnston; and seven great grandchildren, Jimmy Willerton, Emma Willerton, Adeline Boyd, Logan Boyd, Halle Boyd, Palmer Jane Boyd and Josie Kate Boyd.

Graveside services are planned for Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas. Memorial services will follow on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Byers Avenue United Methodist Church. Rev. Allen Brintnall will officiate. The family will receive friends following the services at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund at Byers Avenue United Methodist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association, both in care of Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri, 64804.