Mary Johnston, age 61, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Monday, February 5, 2018, at Meadowbrook Manor in Naperville, IL. She was born May 28, 1956 in Binghamton, NY.

Mary, ever a sweet spirit, dedicated her life to the Christian education of children. In her youth, she became the first person in the United States to memorize ALL of the AWANA Bible verses. After college she became the director of Christian Education in a Baptist church in New York. Her achievements in AWANA led to her invitation to work at the AWANA Headquarters where she became the National Director of Cubbies and Sparks and was frequently speaking in churches throughout the United States. Over the years she wrote a significant amount of AWANA curriculum.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Johnston of Wheaton; her two daughters, Melissa (Tom) Ward and Jennifer (Kevin) Handley; three granddaughters, Mia Grace and Brianna Joy Ward and Makayla Marie Handley; her sister, Carol (Howard) Samman; and her brother, Thomas (Carolyn) Vargo.

She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Shirley Vargo and Elizabeth (Tom) Negus.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at College Church , 336 E. Seminary Ave., in Wheaton, IL. Interment will be private at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to AWANA Clubs International , One East Bode Road, Streamwood, IL. 60107.