of West Helena, AR
August 12, 1920 - November 21, 2025
Frances Evelyn Johnston, 105, went to her heavenly home on Friday, November 21, 2025. She was born in Elaine, Arkansas on Thursday, August 12, 1920 to the late Dave Burt and Sadie Ruffin Burt.
Frances was a beloved mother who spent her time raising her children and was a talented seamstress. Before her health declined, she was an avid member of the West Helena Baptist Church.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Derwood Johnston (Mary Jo) of Maumelle, Arkansas; Shirley Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas and Aubrey Johnston (Dianna) of Moultrie, Georgia; seven grandchildren; host of family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-five years, Derwood Johnston; parents, David and Sadie Burt and several siblings.
A graveside service honoring the life of Frances Johnston will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Interment will follow service.
Services will be directed by the staff of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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11 Condolence(s)
Helen Cagle
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Shirley, Derward and Aubrey so sorry to hear about your Mother. Prayers for all of your family.
Kay Ragsdale Slaughter
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Shirley, Derwood, and Aubrey, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was such a sweet lady. I have so many fond memories of you all. May GOD comfort and sustain you all during this difficult time.
Stephen & Carol Ragsdale
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Many precious memories of this wonderful lady and her family. Childhood memories are the best!
Katherine Hardy
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Prayers for comfort and peace.
Terri Seeman Hollowell
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Aubrey, Dianna, and family was sorry to hear of your moms passing but what a
life she had. Praying that you will all feel Gods loving arms around you in the coming days as you remember what a blessing she was to you all.
Alisa McCollum Parker
Monday, November 24, 2025
Johnny and Kelly,
I have such sweet memories of your grandmother. 105 years old! She and your mom were such good friends! I admire how close they were. I don’t think your grandparents ever missed a ballgame. She always had a sweet smile and your grandad a wink! I hope you are happily reminiscing your time with her. She was such a sweet and caring person.
Love you and hope to see you soon! Alisa
Herbert Evans
Monday, November 24, 2025
I am so very sorry to just now learn of Mrs. Johnston's passing. Got to know her and Shirley thru Diane and R.E. Stancliff and we all would visit her and Shirley when we were together in West Helena. Loved listening to her stories. My prayer is for Shirley, Aubrey, Derwood and all family and friends feel God's presence, peace and comfort at this time of their loss. God Bless you all! Herbert Evans
Sheila Aaron
Monday, November 24, 2025
Aubrey & family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She lived a long & wonderful life. Prayers for peace & comfort. Love & hugs, Sheila
Judy Travis
Monday, November 24, 2025
To Durwood and Shirley May God give you Peace and Comfort at this time. I will have you in my Prayers.
Wanda McIntosh-Crouch
Monday, November 24, 2025
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember her as one of the best Sunday School teachers ever. May God comfort you all during this time of sorrow.
Philly Rains
Monday, November 24, 2025
Aubrey and family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Holding you in my heart, and sending prayers for peace and comfort. With love.