Jill Johnston

Jill Kathleen (Brower) Johnston, a beloved wife, mom, sister, grandma, great-grandma, aunt,

and friend left us on Saturday, July 13 after a nearly 11-year battle with cancer. She was truly an

inspiration as she endured surgeries, chemo, radiation, and clinical trials to have as much time

with her loved ones as possible. You might say she was one tough cookie, and we are thankful

for the years we had with her!

Born a country girl, she learned a strong work ethic as she grew up on the family farm near

Lowell. She knew how to milk cows, bale hay, plow fields and just about every other chore. As a

youth she showed dairy cows at the Kent County Youth Fair, but it wasn’t until she was an older

adult that she realized her dream of owning and showing a horse at various competitions. It

gave her great pleasure to mentor her grandchildren in showing horses, as well.

Her commitment to a job well done was always evident, first as a cosmetologist and then as a

phlebotomist who knew how to be sure and hit a vein on the first try. Jill knew her way around

a sewing machine, too. She often created or altered riding clothes for horseshows, Halloween

costumes, wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

She enjoyed her toes in the sand at a beach, watching deer, wine tasting, holding babies and

spending time with family. The peacefulness of a sunset, a sit on the porch, a good novel or

playing a game of Phase 10 brought her great pleasure.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents, John and Betty Brower, an infant brother, and infant

daughter, Shannon Herrington. She leaves behind to cherish her love and memories, her

husband Alvin Johnston, her children, Chris (Becky) Herrington, Scott (Paige) Herrington,

R’Shelle (Dan) Dunne, stepdaughters Lisa, Debbie and Diane, sister, Jackie Tousley and brother,

John (Laura) Brower. Her grandchildren, Kelsi, Maicee, Lezlie, Cayden, Unity, Kristina and twelve

great grandchildren as well as many extended family members will truly miss Jill’s love and

devotion, too.

Cremation has taken place. A time of remembrance and celebration of life will be held at

Fallasburg Park, 13565 Covered Bridge Rd., Lowell, MI on September 29, 2024, at 1 pm.

“And when fall colors start to glow

My love into your heart will flow”