Verna Hughes Johnston, 93, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away at her home Sunday, February 1, 2026. She was born in Stuart, Virginia, on November 15, 1932, to the late Grant Hughes and Edna Light Hughes.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Johnston; daughter, Kathy Lynn Johnston; sister, Phyllis H. Thacker; and brothers, Samuel Hughes and Maynard Hughes.
Verna was of the Christian faith and a member of Kearfott Memorial Baptist Church. She graduated as valedictorian from Stuart High School, class of 1950. She worked 36 years at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County as a phlebotomist. Her dedication to her job and compassion for her patients earned her the title of Employee of the Year in 2003. Verna was well-known in the community and loved by many. Her greatest joy was found in caring for her family. Her legacy of love and faith will forever be remembered by all those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her sons, Roger Johnston (Susan) of Martinsville, Virginia; Jeff Johnston (Mary Jo) of Rocky Mount, Virginia; sister, Judy H. Morrison (Coy) of Abingdon, Virginia; brother-in-law, Ronnie Thacker of Ridgeway, Virginia; granddaughter, Rebecca Lane of Martinsville, Virginia; grandson, Haden Johnston of Rocky Mount; and one great-grandson, Peyton Bowles.
In lieu of lowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9929 or Kearfott Memorial Baptist Church, 1403 Rivermont Heights, Martinsville, Virginia 24112.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.
