All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Kathleen May Johnston

Obituary Kathleen Johnston

Kathleen May Johnston, 96, of Brooks Hill, W.Va., died Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at her home in Brooks Hill.

She was born January 10, 1923, in Selbyville, W.Va., a daughter of the late Robert Lee and Josephine Maud Shingleton Duke. On July 18, 1938, she married Albert Willard Johnston who preceded her in death on April 29,1994.

She is survived by five sons, Kenneth W. Johnston and wife Carolyn of Buckhannon, W.Va., Robert W. Johnston and wife Gae of Buckhannon, Roger L. Johnston of French Creek, Johnie P. Johnston and wife Mary of French Creek and Ernie R. Johnston and wife Connie of Walkersville, W.Va.; two daughters, Karen Bowers of Parsons, W.Va. and Bonnie Crouse and husband James of Brooks Hill, W.Va.; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Patty Smith and husband Dean of Buckhannon and Lola Van Gilder of Grafton, Ohio.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one infant sister, Roberta Duke; one infant brother, Paul Duke; three brothers, Rich, Carl and Bill Duke; one daughter-in-law, Patty Johnston; one son-in-law, John Bowers and an infant grandson, Jeffery Paul Johnston.

Mrs. Johnston was a homemaker and a member of the Brooks Hill United Methodist Church and the Brooks Hill Farm Women’s Club. She was also the Marble Champion of Brooks Hill School House and a great Skipper Rider.

Friends will be received Friday, June 28, 2019 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral. Mrs. Johnston will lie in state on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Brooks Hill United Methodist Church with the funeral service to follow with Rev. J. Edward McDaniels officiating. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Brooks Hill Community Building, c/o Bonnie Crouse, 1944 Brooks Hill Road, French Creek, WV, 26218.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

WVWC Tennis

Tennis ‘Cats fall in Atlantic Regional battle to Davis & Elkins, 4-3

Davis & Elkins edged West Virginia Wesleyan 4-3 in their first NCAA Division II Men’s Tennis Atlantic Regional appearance to advance, while Fairmont State swept Shaw 4-0 to move on to the next round.

Lady Bucs softball season ends with loss to University in postseason tournament

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs softball team saw their season end with a 17-0 loss to University in the Section 2, Region 1 Tournament, managing just one hit in the five-inning game.

Lacrosse Lady Bucs drop close playoff outing to Morgantown, 6-5

Despite defeating Morgantown twice in the regular season, the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs were eliminated from the state quarterfinals after a close 6-5 loss, ending their season with a 5-6 record.

B-U’s Jeffries claims No. 4 singles title at Big 10 Conference tennis championships

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Jeremiah Jeffries, in his first year playing tennis, captured the No. 4 singles title at the Big 10 Conference championships, leading a strong singles showing for the Buccaneers.

Cook wins Big 10 Conference tennis title at No. 4 singles for Lady Bucs

Patience Cook, a senior and first-year full-time varsity player for Buckhannon-Upshur, won the Big 10 Conference girls tennis title at No. 4 singles, leading a strong Lady Bucs team effort.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 9, 2025

Recent Buckhannon news includes special hours and events for the Strawberry Festival, recognition for local students, community theatre and band performances, volunteer calls, and more.

Two people charged with felony for harassing social media posts

Triston A. Thompson and Rachel C. Long of Buckhannon were arrested on a felony charge after allegedly harassing and threatening a road rage victim on social media.

Free behavior therapy group for teens launches in Buckhannon on May 15

The Mountain CAP Family Support Center and Child Advocacy Center are launching a free weekly behavior therapy group for Buckhannon teens ages 14-18 starting May 15, with pre-registration required.

Buckhannon council advances ordinances to curb 24/7 generator noise, clarify dwelling requirements

Buckhannon City Council unanimously approved the first readings of two ordinances in response to ongoing complaints, aiming to limit non-emergency generator use and clarify habitable property standards requiring essential utilities.

Norman Denver Hanifan

Norman Denver Hanifan, 84, a farmer from Tallmansville, died May 8, 2025, and is survived by three daughters, numerous grandchildren and siblings; funeral services are scheduled for May 10 at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home.

Seventeen graduating service scholars contribute 9,900 service hours to community

Seventeen graduating students from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Service Scholar program contributed over 9,900 hours, valued at nearly $87,000, to various community organizations while gaining hands-on leadership and service experience.

Softball Lady Bucs survive elimination behind Abel’s three-run home run as they down Preston, 6-3

Alyssa Abel’s three-run homer in the first inning powered the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs to a 6-3 victory over Preston, keeping their softball season alive in the Region I Section 2 tournament.

Keep In Touch

Facebook-f Instagram

Privacy Policy * Terms & Conditions * Contest Rules

Copyright 2025 – My Town WV LLC