Gloria Gay Johnston

Gloria Gay Johnston
June 4, 1936 – November 11, 2024
Gloria Gay Johnston was reunited with her partner in life in the Kingdom of Heaven on November 11, 2024, when she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. A Parrish Rosary and visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at Lindley Funeral Home, 910 Washington St., Chillicothe, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date. Gloria’s ashes will rest beside her husband.
Gloria’s life began on June 4, 1936, born to Freda F. Briggs and Lawrence H. Fenner, she grew up with eight siblings, exploring the Fenner farms and shaping the strong resilient spirit that would define her life. Living through the Great Depression, Gloria developed a resourcefulness and work ethic that she carried with her always.
She began her career as a nurse, working alongside two of her sisters at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. There she met her future husband, Larry A. Johnston, a student at the University of Missouri. They married on November 29, 1957, and built a life rooted in love, mutual respect, and shared dreams. In 1959, they moved to Larry’s hometown of Chillicothe, Missouri, where they raised four children; David, Dale, Susan Shayce and Robert.
Gloria was Larry’s steadfast partner in life and business, yet retained her fierce independence. Together they ran multiple businesses in the community, with Gloria’s unwavering work ethic, and sense of purpose inspiring those around her. She instilled these values in her children and grandchildren, teaching them integrity, resilience and self-belief. Her strength and guidance will resonate for generations.
An avid animal lover, Gloria delighted in her pets and livestock, raising American Cocker Spaniels that brought joy to families across the community, as well as her beloved Polled Hereford cattle. Her creativity was boundless-she found joy in gardening, tending her vibrant roses, and creating art through painting, ceramics and quilting. Music was ever-present in Gloria’s life, filling her home alongside the steady chimes of her cherished grandfather clock, which became a beloved fixture and comfort to her family.
Gloria was also deeply engaged in the community. She served as an election judge, committeewoman and co-chair of the local Republican Party, unafraid to support candidates based on her beliefs, regardless of party lines. A devout member of the St. Columban Catholic Church, Gloria was committed to her faith and a loyal supporter of Bishop Hogan Memorial School, encouraging her children and grandchildren to value education as she did.
She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother and friend, whose life was marked by integrity, compassion and unwavering faith. Her family and friends will carry her memory forward, honoring her life of love and strength.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Freda F. Briggs and Lawrence H. Fenner, and her husband, Larry. She is survived by her four children, David A. Johnston (Mary) of Columbia, Missouri, Richard D. Johnston (Sally) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Susan Shayce Johnston of Gainesville, Florida, and Robert S. Johnston (Angela) of Chillicothe, Missouri. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Jesse Mixson, Alexander Lucido-Johnston, Elena Mixson (Steve), Steven Adam Minski (Emily), , Antonina Chapin (Joe), Riley Mixson, Maxwell Johnston and Brionna Bears (Jared), as well as four great-grandchildren, Audrey, Daisy, Boone and Lily. Gloria is also survived by four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gloria’s legacy of strength, love and faith will live on in all who knew her, and her presence will be profoundly missed.
A Parish Rosary will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Saturday, November 16, 2024, 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Forest O. Triplett Memorial Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.