Mary Elizabeth Johnston, 80, of the Paris and Mexico area, died Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.

Services were at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial followed in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation was Friday evening from 4 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary was born on May 19, 1944, in Memphis, Tenn., the daughter of Donald Raymond and Elizabeth May (Allen) Snook. On Dec. 14, 1963, in New London, she married James William “Jim” Johnston. They spent 61 wonderful years together. Wherever Jim went, you knew that Mary would be right beside him.

Mary Johnston was a 1962 graduate of Mexico High School, where she was an active member of the Dixie Gray Band. After high school, she continued her musical journey at the University of Missouri, where she played the clarinet in Marching Mizzou.

Throughout her career, Mary worked for several notable businesses, including the Missouri City Water Co., Citizens Savings/ Community Federal Savings and Loan in Paris and Mexico, Commerce Bank, Smith Motor and Implement Co., and Brasch Manufacturing. Alongside her husband, Jim, she helped raise registered Simmental cattle and Yorkshire hogs on their farm. In 1989, Mary, Jim, and their son, J.R., successfully shipped 104 head of Draft Mares to Tokyo, Japan. Mary also served as the bookkeeper for their family business operations. In addition, she was a big help with Jim and J.R. in building Homestead Harness and Tack Shop.

A devoted member of Littleby Methodist Church in Mexico, Mary treasured spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren—Joni, Cy, and Patricia. She was a steadfast supporter of their interests and activities, always eager to encourage their pursuits.

Mary’s love for animals was evident in her affection for her pug, Roscoe, and J.R.’s mini-Australian shepherd, Fancy. These furry companions brought her joy and often brightened her day with their antics.

Known for her hardworking nature and pride in everything she did, Mary was an integral part of both her family and community, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, James W. “Jim” Johnston; two children, Angela T. (Ronnie) Fields of Paris and James Robert “J.R.” Johnston (Shawna Langerud) of Bowling Green; three grandchildren, Joni Rae Fields of Warsaw, Cy Thomas Fields of Paris, and Patricia Caraballo (Cesar Aries) of Washington, D.C.; one great-grandson, Mateo Arias; one brother, Alan (Cindy) Snook of Santa Fe; three sisters-in-law, Delores “Dee” (Larry) Wells of Mexico, Teresa Johnston of Martinsburg, and Fanny Mae Garrett of Mexico; aunt, Dorothy Allen Johnson of Paris; nephews and nieces, Matthew (Martha) Snook of Paris, Bryon (Julie) Anderson of Michigan, Amy Anderson Robbins of Auxvasse, Tessa (Steve) Spires of Hallsville, Shawn Johnston of Martinsburg, and Jeremy (Jen) Johnston of Canada; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mary’s parents, Donald and Elizabeth Snook; grandparents, George and Mary Allen, and Raymond and Elsie Snook; in-laws, Espy and Mary Duvall; and three brothers-in-law, Donald Anderson, Robert “Bob” Johnston, and Larry Ray Johnston, died earlier.

Memorial donations may be made to the Paris Senior Center or the Monroe County Cancer Supporters. Both may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh. com.