Mert Johnston

MARION "MERT" JOHNSTON Plantersville - Marion Manley "Mert" Johnston, 76, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the North Mississippi Medical Center, Hospice. She was born in Alabama on April 17, 1938, to George Marion and Edna Batton Manley. For 26 years, she worked in the business office for the North Mississippi Medical Center, retiring in 2002. One of her greatest enjoyments was having her grandchildren hang out with her and watch movies. She also enjoyed playing on the computer and was an avid reader, having read through the Bible several times. She was of the Methodist faith. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, who will be greatly missed. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2014, at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Chris McAlily officiating. Graveside services will follow in Brewer Cemetery. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Douglas Johnston of Plantersville; three daughters, Teresa Rakestraw of Plantersville, Susan Nichols of Mooreville and Tina Johnson of Mantachie; five grandchildren, Reid Rakestraw, Riley Rakestraw, Marion Nichols, Emma Nichols and Julia Johnson; one brother, D. J. Manley (Trixie) of Alabama; two sisters Monterey Hartley (Everitt) of Alabama and Andy Simpson of North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents. Pallbearers will be Reid Rakestraw, Riley Rakestraw, Ronnie Gravlee, Ben Hartley, Ryan Gravlee, Caleb Myers, Eddie Kellum, Jeff Kellum, Chuck Kellum, Randy Simpson and Scott Simpson. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of the Brewer United Methodist Church, PO Box 1, Shannon, MS 38868. Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014, at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo.