Norma Celestine Johnson

Norma Celestine Johnston, 88, of Murphysboro, died Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at SIH St. Joseph Hospital in Murphysboro.

She was born on Aug. 17, 1935, in Pomona, the daughter of Norman and Mary Franklin Lindsey.

She married Ronald Johnston, who survives.

She had worked as a certified nurses aide at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Francis and Methodist Hospital in Peoria.  She enjoyed camping, the outdoors and her flowers.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored and loved spending quality time playing with.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Johnston; siblings Norman Lindsey and Joyce Rains; children Russel Stearns Jr., Michael (Karen) Stearns, Sheila Ahten, Cindy Pierce (John Hunziker) Pierce and Twyla Panus; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; her furry pet, Snuggles; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by a son, Richard Lee Stearns. 

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Alto Pass with Bill Carter officiating. Interment will follow in Alto Pass Cemetery.

Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service at the church.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the service.

Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements. 

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.crainsonline.com.