Blanche Herrington Johnston

Blanche Herrington Johnston, 97, of Pine Bluff, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. She was born April 14, 1916 in Tuckerman, Ark., daughter of Otto and Oda Burkhalter Herrington. Mrs. Johnston was reared in Tuckerman, graduating from Tuckerman High School. On Dec. 31, 1936, she married J. Edwin Johnston of Batesville. The couple lived in Batesville for several years before moving to Little Rock. In Little Rock, she worked for Pfeiffer Department Store as a personal shopper, alias "Miss Jane Adams." In the 1950s, the couple moved to Pine Bluff, where Mrs. Johnston worked for Arkla Gas Company. She then served as the Executive Director of the YWCA for 25 years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pine Bluff and devoted much time to the church's women's groups. She was a member of the Pine Bluff Country Club and the American Contract Bridge League. Mrs. Johnston was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother, Ralph "Buddy" Herrington. Survivors include her nephew Wallace Herrington of Memphis, Tenn.; brother-in-law N.E. Johnston of Batesville; god-child, Carmen Holden McHaney and husband, Jim of Little Rock; Michael Holden of Goldsboro, N.C.; Charles Holden of Newport; dear family friends, Tammy and Kevin Blagg of Monticello. Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville with Reverend David Fleming officiating. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3-5 p.m. at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors in Pine Bluff. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601 or Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.