Sarah Beth Johnston

A celebration of life for Sarah Beth Varnell Johnston, 81, of Calhoun, Louisiana will be held at 3:00 P..M., Saturday. February 8, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Calhoun with Rev. Neil Everett officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service.

Beth was born on May 3, 1943, in Winnfield, Louisiana. She was married to Julian, the love of her life, for sixty-two years. She passed away at home surrounded by family on January 29, 2025.

Beth was a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She was a strong Christian woman and was a member of First Baptist Church of Calhoun for over 20 years. She was also active in other churches previously, such as Highland Park Baptist Church in Monroe and First Baptist Church of Swartz. She was a dedicated member of many organizations and a strong leader in the WMU. Beth graduated from Winnfield High School in 1961 and received her bachelor’s degree from Northeast Louisiana State College in general studies focusing on English Education and Library Science. Beth always said, “I would rather read than eat.” 

Beth is preceded in death by her father, Dallas Varnell; mother, Nellie Varnell; sister, Linda Stephens; brother-in-law, Raymond Stephens; brothers, Dallas Ray Varnell and Ken Varnell; father-in-law, Floyd Johnston; and mother-in-law, Ruby “Buie” Johnston and daughter-in-law, Lisa Gail Johnston. 

Those left to cherish Beth’s memory are her husband, Julian B. Johnston; daughter, Rebecca Suzanne Moore and husband, James, Jr.; sons, Julian B. “Sam” Johnston, Jr. and his wife, Sherri; and Roger Johnston. She is also survived by her Grandchildren, Laura Johnston Brown and husband, Blake; Luke Johnston and wife, Sara; James “Jimmy” Moore III and wife, Sarah; Megan Moore Brooks and husband, Scott; Sarah Kay Johnston, Wyatt Johnston, and Hope Johnston. 

Beth was thrilled to be blessed with nine wonderful great-grandchildren, Darcy Brown, Jase Johnston, Audrey Moore, Riley Johnston, Jeremiah Johnston, Wesley Moore, Jackson Johnston, Lincoln Johnston and Dani Lee Brown.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the Elara Caring Hospice nurses, aides and staff for their dedication to caring for Beth in these last few weeks. We would also like to thank all the friends, ministries and ladies that visited her and assisted her for the last several years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, Louisiana or First Baptist Church of Calhoun, Louisiana.