Friends and family come together to celebrate the life of Winkie Johnston.
Augusta honors the memory of Winifred ‘Winkie’ Johnston, a cherished educator and author, who passed away at 84. Her legacy of love, education, and community service will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Winkie’s inspiring journey as an advocate for education and her deep-rooted faith reflect the essence of her life and impact on the community. Family and friends will celebrate her life during the funeral service on April 18, 2025, highlighting her contributions to Augusta and the generations she influenced.
It’s a somber day in Augusta as we remember a true gem of our community. Mrs. Winifred “Winkie” White Johnston, 84, peacefully passed away on April 10, 2025, at Piedmont Hospital. Winkie leaves behind a legacy of love, education, and unwavering faith that will be cherished by all who knew her.
Winkie was the loving wife of Mr. Harold G. Johnston, Sr., sharing more than 58 wonderful years together. Their bond was a beautiful testament to partnership and love, something that many in Augusta have admired for years. Winkie was more than just a loving wife; she was also a dedicated mother to her son, Harold G. “Hal” Johnston, Jr. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Eunice Ann Johnston.
A passionate advocate for education, Winkie’s journey began in her hometown of Fitzgerald, Georgia. Born on December 5, 1940, she ventured through several educational milestones. She got her start at Mrs. Lee’s Kindergarten, then attended Third Ward Elementary School, before graduating from Fitzgerald High School in 1959. Her passion for learning led her to earn a B.S. Degree in Education from Georgia Southern College, followed by a Media Specialists certification from Augusta College, and eventually a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Georgia.
For those who knew her, Winkie was such an inspiring force in the lives of her students. She began her teaching career in Fitzgerald before taking on the role of a library media specialist for various elementary schools with the Richmond County Board of Education. She dedicated a remarkable 30 years to educating and nurturing the young minds in our community, retiring in 1996.
Winkie’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She joined the Fitzgerald Presbyterian Church at just six years old, reflecting her family’s strong Christian values. As the great-granddaughter of Cyrus Graves, the founder of the church, Winkie’s deep-rooted connections to her faith community were lifelong blessings that sustained her through various trials.
Winkie had an insatiable curiosity that led her to become affiliated with several historical organizations, including the DAR College Hill Chapter, Pierre Robert Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century, and the Augusta Genealogical Society. She also enjoyed engaging with others through clubs like the West Lake Garden Club and the Augusta Newcomers Club.
Her love for travel was evident, with adventures taking her to all fifty states and numerous countries. One of her most cherished trips was to Israel, which inspired her to write the book, “Israel: Walking in Holy Footsteps”, published in 2016.
Winkie’s family has expressed their immense gratitude for the compassionate care she received from the staff at Brandon Wilde in Evans, Georgia. They invite friends and community members to join them in celebrating her life during the funeral service scheduled for April 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, with interment following at Westover Memorial Park. Friends can visit prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church Augusta or Lakemont Presbyterian Church, allowing Winkie’s spirit of giving and faith to continue making a difference in the community.
Today, as we say goodbye to Winkie Johnston, we remember a woman whose heart touched countless lives, a woman whose story is woven into the fabric of our beloved Augusta. Rest peacefully, dear Winkie; your memory will forever be alive in our hearts.
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