Venda Bowles Johnston

Venda Bowles Johnston   Venda Bowles Johnston, 79, of Houston, TX, went to meet our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 following a brief battle with cancer. Venda was born on November 10, 1938, in El Campo, TX to the late Norman Cullen Bowles and Alma Lee Benton Bowles. Venda was a 1957 graduate of Wharton High School. While attending Wharton County Junior College, she was a member of the Starlette Drill Team. She married her husband, John Lane Johnston, of 58 years on August 7, 1959. Venda, “Honey,” as she was known by her grandchildren, had a wonderful life as a wife, mother, and grandmother. After her daughters graduated college, Venda began her career at Houston Baptist University School of Nursing, as an administrative assistant for 28 years. During this time, she blossomed into an encourager of both faculty and students where she became known as the “Prayer Warrior.”  Venda was quick to praise and slow to anger. She always had a smile and kind word for everyone. She was vibrant and full of life, and often the light of the room. Compassionate, caring and generous, Honey was always ready to encourage, uplift or help anyone in need. Venda was the definition of a true Southern Lady from her Texas Twang to her lipstick always applied and ready for any occasion. She is survived by her husband, John Lane Johnston of Houston; daughters: Elane Johnston Tobey and husband, George, Joy Johnston Hebert and husband, Roger; grandchildren: Dr. Jonathan Tobey, Cameron Tobey, Elizabeth Hebert and Eleanor Hebert; sisters: Norma Lee Nelsen and husband, Dan, Lynell Allen and husband, Jerry; brother in law: Dr. Robert H. Johnston, Jr. and wife, Sara and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Westbury Baptist Church in Houston, TX, where Venda was a member for 53 years, with nephews Rev. Bob Johnston and Pastor Cullen Allen officiating. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Wharton Cemetery 325 North East Avenue, Wharton TX 77488 in Wharton, TX.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westbury Baptist Church, 10425 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77096; 713-723-4798; WBCHouston.org   Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.