Hazel Johnston

Through unending prayer, Hazel Johnston was a prayer warrior for the souls of those she loved and for the world around her. From her earliest beginnings, faith was the cornerstone for which Hazel was raised and lived. In her family she found her greatest joy, and her strength of heart came from the One for which she placed her trust. A hard working and determined woman, Hazel lived by example, and taught her children well. Through the years she enjoyed the blessing of numerous friendships, and served others with loving kindness. Although she will be dearly missed, Hazel leaves a lasting legacy of love and true faithfulness to be treasured. By 1929, the days of the flapper and the infamous Roaring Twenties gave way to hard economic times. From coast to coast, financial uncertainty cascaded into panic with the crash of the stock market. Just merely the beginning of hard times in America, the Great Depression was officially launched in a country that had seen much growth and prosperity. Despite these troubling times, Delbert and Myrtle (Stitt) MacLaren of Holton, Michigan placed their unwavering trust and hope in their Lord. This was especially true on May 14, 1929 as they were blessed with the birth of their little girl, Hazel Anna, born nestled in their home on Brickyard Road in the rural community of Holton. One of eight children, growing up in their rural, country setting offered much adventure for Hazel and her siblings. A devout Christian, Hazels mother was an avid gardener and the fruits of her labor provided much for their large family. However, when Hazel got out of line as a child, weeding the garden was the most effective punishment to get her back on the straight and narrow. Hazel was very close to her family. They did much together, especially through their involvement at their church home, Holton Free Methodist Church. Hazels mother was a founding member of the church, and many family activities often revolved around church events. During Hazels youth, news of the day included World War II and an ever changing world around her. Sustained by faith and the love of family, Hazel forged on with lasting hope. Although she would go on to receive her high school diploma in 1975, it was during Hazels junior year at Holton High School when she left her schooling behind to work in her aunts bakery. During a church social event, Hazel met the young man with whom she would place her heart and trust. James Johnston and his family were members of Muskegon Free Methodist Church and were enjoying a combined church activity when the two became acquainted. Later, Hazel and Jim were happily married on May 14, 1948. In the early years of their marriage, Jim was called back to serve in the U.S. Air Force and did so for a total of six years. During this time they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Keith, followed by Randy. Marge came along, then Jack, Jim, and Todd completed their family. They raised their children in faith at 8890 Main Street in Holton directly across from Holton High School where Jim went on to work as a school teacher. Hazel was very close to her sister, Blanche Lindsay. They both gave birth to five boys, and many were close in age. In fact, two of their boys were born on the same day, March 5, 1957. Quite a phenomenon, The Muskegon Chronicle even wrote an article about it, and 25 years later, republished the story. Hazel never ceased in holding her family in fervent prayer. Her greatest blessing, she prayed morning, noon and night for those she loved. Through unending faith, Christ was at the forefront of all Hazel said and did. A full-time homemaker, Hazel made a good home for Jim and the kids. She supported her husband in his career, and encouraged her children in all their endeavors. Her boys were involved in sports, and many of their family activities revolved around school activities and sporting events. While her children were growing up, a multitude of pets made their way into their home, including dogs, frogs, pollywogs, snakes, turtles, fish, parakeets, rabbits, hamsters, a flying squirrel, and even an alligator! In the late 1950s and early 1960s, their home was a gathering place for students Jim had taken under his wing. A time of poodle skirts, saddle shoes, bobby sox, ponytails and crew cuts, they always had an array of Elvis Presley, James Dean, and Everly Brother look-alikes around their house. Even Hazels younger twin brothers, Doug and Dan were frequent overnight guests. A young man by the name of George Scott was unofficially adopted into their family while he completed his senior year of high school. Although George was the, other brother from another mother, he was dearly loved and a part of the family. Hazel and her family enjoyed various road trips across the U.S. during summer vacations. Driving his truck camper and with his pull-behind tent trailer in tow, Jim took his family wherever the road led them. They traveled mainly to the southern states and out west all while enabling their children to receive immeasurable, hands-on learning experiences and adventures. Summer church camps were also a large part of their family activities. With their children growing older, Hazel and Jim moved from their house on Main Street in 1972 to a home with ten acres just outside of town. During these years, Hazels determination found her attending night school through the adult education program, and along with her sister, Inez, Hazel attained her high school diploma in 1975 which was a great achievement for her. It was also in 1975 when Jim and Hazel moved with their youngest son, Todd to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After being hurt in an accident at school, Jim took an early retirement in 1974. Due to his health, the warm, dry air in Oklahoma suited him and they had friends there they met through church. Hazel developed a network of lasting friendships in Oklahoma City which prompted her to continue living in the area after the passing of her beloved husband in 1991. Hazel was a huge fan of professional baseball when she was younger, but her focus changed to the NBA when the Thunder moved to Oklahoma City. An avid, loving fan, her house was filled with Thunder memorabilia. Hazel continued her involvement at church and she absolutely loved old time gospel music. She loved the gospel groups that sang and toured with Bill Gaither, and her favorite singer was Vestal Goodman. Hazel was even blessed with an autographed photograph and handkerchief her daughter-in-law, Donna attained from Vestal for Hazels birthday which was prominently displayed in her living room for many, many years. The collective relationship Hazel had with family and church friends was woven in prayer. When her children were in school, she would send them off in the morning and then head for her aunt, Blanche Burleys house to attend prayer meetings with friends and family who attended the Holton Free Methodist Church. In later years, Hazel conveyed to her children how that very prayer group earnestly prayed for them and all of the kids. It wasnt until some of them were well into their twenties that they realized the significance of those prayers on their behalf. Hazel carried on these same prayer practices for her dear grandchildren, as well. Hazel was a testament to James 5:16: The effectual fervent pray of the righteous avails much - James 5:16. Lives were touched by the prayers of Hazel. Through her faithful mother, Christian values and daily dependence on Gods mercy was ingrained in the life of Hazel, and she lived her life with eternity in mind. Always on her knees in prayer for her family, friends, and the world in general, there is no measure of the effectiveness of her prayers, yet no doubt lives have been changed and life courses altered by her faithfulness to prayer. Through unyielding faith in her Lord, Hazel's loving compassion and nurturing spirit touched many. For these things and so much more, she will be deeply missed and remembered fondly as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Hazel Anna Johnston, age 86, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015 at her home in Bethany, Oklahoma. SURVIVORS: Sons, Keith (Linda) Johnston of Twin Lake, Jack (Donna) Johnston of Blanchard, OK, James (Cindy) Johnston Jr. of Twin Lake, Todd (Gina) Johnston of Oklahoma City, OK; daughter, Margie (George) Schneider of Holton; daughters-in-law, Cherrie Johnston of Twin Lake, Ceclia Wentzloff, and Leaf DiMaria; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Inez (Alvin) McCastle; sisters-in-law, Chrystal MacLaren, Lorraine MacLaren, Marcia MacLaren; many nieces and nephews. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Johnston; son, Randy Johnston; siblings, Dorville, Bryce, Samuel Delbert "Jeff", Blanche Lindsay, and twin brothers, Douglas and Dan. SERVICE: Monday, July 13, 2015, 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Free Methodist Church with Rev. David E. Gruber officiating. Interment in Holton Township Cemetery. VISITATION: Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Light of Life Children's Home (www.lightoflifehome.com). To share a favorite memory and photo of Hazel and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.