Catherlean Burgwin Johnston Smith died peacefully at home early Thursday morning, March 12, 2015. She was born on October 2, 1911 in Wadesboro, North Carolina to Bessie Louise and Walter W. Burgwin and moved to Ohio at the age of six. Her family later settled in Steubenville where she resided for over 90 years. During her childhood, Catherlean attended Steubenville City Schools. Her brother, George "Puck" Burgwin , was well known for his great accomplishments while playing football at Big Red. As an adult, Catherlean worked as an Avon representative for over half a century. She was an active member of Quinn AME church where she served as President of the Missionary Council for a number of years.
Catherlean married William Allen Johnston, with whom she had six children: Shirley, Alice, Raymond, William Jr., Donald, and Joyce. William died when their youngest was still an infant, leaving Catherlean to care for the young family with the help of her mother. Many years later, she remarried to James B. Smith.
Affectionately known as "Nana" to her family, Catherlean displayed a love of gardening for most of her adult life. She received lots of love and care from her son Donald Johnston who lived at home with her, as well as from her youngest daughter Joyce Gregory who resides nearby. She can best be described as a strong, loving, determined, spirit-filled, faithful woman with a sense of humor and caring spirit.
In addition to her parents and brother, she was preceded in death by both husbands and 3 of her children, William Jr Johnston, Alice Porter (Offut), and Shirley Stewart (Colonel Dennie); grandchildren Cathy Porter and Sammie Johnston; and great-grandson, Marcus Hunt.
She is survived by three children, Raymond Johnston (Mildred deceased) of Louisville, Kentucky, Donald Johnston of Steubenville, and Joyce Gregory (William) of Steubenville; 11 grandchildren, Byron Stewart, Eric Stewart (Victoria), Lisa Hunt (Reverend Dr. C. Anthony), Alan Porter, Brian Porter, Anton Johnston (Davie), Tammy Johnston, Gary Johnston (Diana), Gerri Johnston, Steven Gregory, and Todd Gregory; a host of great-grandchildren, and many special relatives and friends.