Esther Bernice Thurston Johnson, 85, of Louisa, VA was called from labor to reward on Monday, November 15, 2010 at Golden Living Center in Annandale, Va.
Esther, daughter of the late Levi and Sarah Hall Thurston, was born in Louisa County, Virginia on September 14, 1925.

She was baptized at Mt. Gilliam New Site Baptist Church in Mineral, VA at an early age, educated in Louisa County Public Schools and graduated from St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, VA.

Esther was united in marriage to Huston H. Johnson on June 23, 1951 and to this union one son, Huston Phillemon Levi (Sam) was born. After 30+ years of teaching school in Louisa County, Esther retired to enjoy family, working her word search puzzles, watching western shows and going fishing. She also cared for her aging mother and sister. For a number of years she served as a Deaconess and Trustee at Mt. Gilliam New Site until her health failed. She took great pride in decorating the church bulletin board.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Huston; three brothers, Leroy, George and Charles; and one sister, Lena.
Esther was a loving sister, mother, aunt, friend and dedicated teacher. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted son; Phillemon (Sam) of Arlington VA; one sister; Frances Alease Thurston Jones of Woodbridge, VA ; three sisters-in-law, Inez W. Thurston, Mamie Johnson both of Louisa, VA and Vivian Thurston of Atlanta, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday, November 19, 2010 at Thomasson Watson Funeral Chapel, 117 West Street Louisa, Va.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday at Mt. Gilliam New Site Baptist Church, 2212 Mansfield Road, Mineral, Va, with pastor Louis A. Collins, Jr. delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.