Dorla D. 'Grand Mom' Johnston

A graveside service for Dorla D. 'Grand Mom' Johnston, age 85, of Rusk was held Monday, Sept. 16, at Oakland Cemetery with Bro. Don Copeland and Bro. David Haines officiating.

Mrs. Johnston passed away Friday, Sept. 13 in Tyler, Texas. She was born Aug. 28, 1934, in Rusk to the late Oliver Odell and Rachel F. Dickson Smith. Mrs. Johnston was a lifelong resident of Rusk and a member of Oakland Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed working at Matthews-Miller Department Store and was a familiar face there for 20 plus years. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Jana Kaye Birdwell of Hudson, Colo.; son and daughter-in-law, Kenny and Rhonda Birdwell of Rusk; grandchildren, Leslie Birdwell and wife Brittany, Elissa Robbins and husband David, Kaylee Birdwell, Kennon Birdwell and Dillon Birdwell; great granddaughters, Emily, Addilee and Emery all of Rusk; sister, Nelda Ellis of Jacksonville; and nephew, Darren Ellis of Frisco, Texas.

Pallbearers were Kennon Birdwell, Dillon Birdwell, David Robbins, Dale Wallace, David Thedford and Ricky Don Copeland. Honorary pallbearers are Leslie Birdwell, Darren Ellis and Steve Shingle.

The family is grateful for the love and care she received from Ginger and Jessica while at The Arbors in Rusk. In lieu of flowers contributions to Hospice of East Texas would be

appreciated.