Harriet Johnston

Harriet White Johnston passed away gently on August 4, 2024, in Richmond, VA, at the age of 91, following a brief illness. She is survived by her beloved husband of 73 years, Russell Alexander Johnston, her brother Bill White, as well as her children Sharon Pleasants (Berkie), Charles Johnston (Kathy), David Johnston (Danny), her grandchildren Jessica Fraser (Brett), Hugh Pleasants (Cheryl), Craig Pleasants, Katie Savino (Matt), Shelby Johnston, her great-grandchildren Jonathan Fraser, Kasey Fraser, Carleigh Fraser, Katherine Fraser, Claire Fraser, Jase Fraser, Mason Pleasants, Mary Reagan Phaup, Piper Pleasants, Finley Pleasants, Stella Pleasants, Julianne Savino, John Savino, Allyson Savino, Luke Savino and Elijah Johnston as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, neighbors and loving friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Hartwell and Iva White, her brother Dick White (Lin) and great grandson Asher Pleasants.

Harriet Loving White was born in Fork Union, VA. on July 9, 1933. Harriet was the eldest of three children. She was so beautiful inside and out, and as a senior in high school was crowned “Miss Fluvanna County”. At age 17, with her parents’ permission, she married Russell Johnston of Kent Store, VA. They were married in her family home on June 16, 1951.

When her children were grown, she attended J. Sargent Reynolds and earned a degree as a registered nurse working for two decades compassionately caring for others.

During retirement, she and Russell returned to Fork Union where they lived for seventeen years. She attended Fork Union Baptist Church and served as a deacon in the congregation. For the past twenty years of her life, she and Russell resided at Cedarfield, keeping close ties to Fluvanna County.

Harriet had a deep faith and was appreciated by all for her gentle, kind and caring ways. She enjoyed spending time with her loving family and spent countless hours knitting and crocheting beautiful items for her family and friends. She was an amazing cook and loved discount shopping. She had a sly sense of humor and once was asked how she and Russell stayed married for 73 years. She replied, “We’re only staying together for the children.”

There will be a visitation at the Cedarfield Fellowship Hall, 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Richmond, Virginia, on August 10, 2024, at 10:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. 

Harriet will be greatly missed but her spirit lives on in the example she set for her loving family. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Cox Rd. #130, Glen Allen, VA 23060.