Cloudy, 36° F
Joyce E. Green Johnston passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Powell Valley Care Center surrounded by her family. Virgil and Ruby Green welcomed Joyce to their family on May 29, 1947, in Larned, Kansas.
She moved with her family to Powell at the age of 4. Attending school for all of her years in Powell, she graduated with the class of 1965. Following that, she attended the University of Wyoming, obtaining both a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in entomology at the same time.
On Dec. 8, 1972, Joyce married Clifford Johnston. They made their home in Powell for their 47 years of married life, where they raised their children, Chris and Christeena.
Joyce worked for the University of Wyoming as the Park County Horticulturist. Along with working, Joyce also volunteered as a 4-H leader for many years, a Park County Fair superintendent and a master gardener. She also served on the Arbor Day Foundation. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Rock Club, and the Rod and Gun Club.
She earned the title of plant and bug genius by the many people she helped during her life. Her beautiful yard, filled with ever so many flowers and plants, delighted everyone who drove by.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Ruby Green, and a brother-in-law, Hal Ring.
She is survived by her husband, Clifford Johnston; son, Chris Johnston and wife Sasha; daughter, Christeena Murdock and husband Tait; brothers, Virgil Green and wife Nancy, and Jason Green and wife Shelia; sister, Janice Ring; and grandchildren, Eli, Justin, Caleb, Jasmyn and Lexi.
Services were held Monday, Aug. 24 at Thompson Funeral Home. Burial followed at Crown Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Thompson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.
