Mary Laning Johnston, age 88, of Rockwood, passed away November 28, 2020. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Rockwood where she served for many years as the custodian. She was a talented artist, working in several different mediums, including being an accomplished seamstress and painter. She was a nationally known and collected potter, had her own pottery business, and was a juried exhibiter of pottery at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Paul Crispin Laning, Jr. and Amelia Pauline Murphy Laning; husband: Jack Kenneth Johnston, Sr.; grandson: Aaron Johnston; great-grandson: David Johnston; and brother: Paul “James” Martin Laning.

Survivors include son & daughter-in-law: Jack Johnston, Jr. (Linda) of Rockwood; daughter & son-in-law: Joyce Johnston Shepherd (Winston) of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren: Jessie Shepherd of Austin, Texas, Miriam Johnston of Rockwood, and Benjamin Johnston (Lora) of Crossville; great-grandchildren: Triston Sander, Cameron Sander, Jacob Sander, and Rebecca Johnston; sister: May Young of Mullica Hill, New Jersey; brother: Ray Laning of Morristown; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ located at 328 W. Rockwood Street in Rockwood. Interment will be held at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ; P.O. Box 45; Rockwood, TN 37854.