JOHNSTON, Emily Sharpe

Emily Sharpe Johnston died peacefully in St. Mary’s Hospital on January 29, 2015 in Richmond, Virginia at the age of 63. Emily is survived by her Mother, Charlene Sharpe of Pembroke, VA; her husband, Thomas E. Johnston, Jr of Richmond, VA, a sister Annette and husband Scott and son Joe of Pembroke, VA, a brother Glenn Sharpe and wife Vickie Sharpe and children Jennifer and Crystal of Bonneyman, KY. She is preceded in death by her father, Joe Henderson Sharpe of Pembroke, VA. Emily was born on March 13, 1951 in Pearisburg, VA to Joe and Charlene Sharpe. She graduated from Giles High School and Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She married Thomas E. Johnston, Jr. in July, 1973. After moving to Richmond, VA, Emily began working for Crestar Bank as a systems analyst. After moving to Brunswick, GA for seven years, Emily and Tom returned to Richmond, VA where Emily continued her career with Crestar Bank and later Hitachi Data Systems. Emily loved Virginia Tech football and particularly enjoyed the tailgating before and after the ball games. Emily was also an avid gardener and maintained a beautiful lawn. To help her relax and find peace Emily practiced yoga on a regular basis. She loved the beach and enjoyed many trips to the Outer Banks. Those that knew Emily admired her for her inner strength and organizational skills. In addition to her many friends and husband, Emily loved cats. Her current two cats, Puff and Timber Lee brought much happiness to Emily. A ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, January 31at 2pm at Birchlawn Memorial Park at 177 Birchlawn Circle, Pearisburg, VA. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Emily’s life.