Carolyn Ann Johnston, 61, of Drayden, MD died February 21, 2010 at the Hospice House of St. Mary's.

Born October 19, 1948 in Quincy, IL, she was the daughter of the late Robert Bangert and Eunice (Daniels) Bangert.

Carolyn moved to St. Mary's County, MD, in the 1980's. She grew up in Fowler, IL with her parents, sisters, and brother. She was a 1966 graduate of Liberty High School in Liberty, IL.

Carolyn was a devoted and loving wife to Eddie, her husband of 21 years. She loved to go shopping with her daughters and her best friend of 34 years, Kathy Hutmaker, whom she always considered her fourth sister. She attended all her grandchildren's ballgames and was always interested and involved in their lives. She also loved her dogs Sadie and Spunky. She loved holiday gatherings at her house and was a pro at fixing big meals for a lot of people. She created many lifetime memories for her family and friends.

Carolyn worked for the U.S. government at Patuxent River, MD, until she retired on disability in 2008 with 30 years of service. She served as a senior Management Analyst with the Naval Air Systems Command's Corporate Operations Group and received many awards throughout her career. Carolyn made many life-long friends in St. Mary's County and the Base, including her loyal friend, Yumi Landram. Many of her friends and co-workers visited her throughout her illness and took her to lunch or shopping. She also enjoyed her time with her neighbor, Debbie, with whom she shopped and took long evening walks.

Carolyn fought her battle with cancer for ten years. She was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew and loved her. She never lost her faith or optimism, and her beautiful smile would light up a room, even when she was very ill. She was a kind and gentle spirit who loved and took care of everyone.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Edward Johnston, her children, Julie Neugent (James) of Leonardtown, MD and Brenda Woode (Brian) of Callaway, MD, her step-children, Sandra Adkins of Great Mills, MD and Tommy Johnston of Hyattsville, MD, ten grandchildren, sisters, Sharon Hinshaw and Linda Hoaglin of Columbia, MO, and Tammy Lepper of Fowler, IL. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Bangert.

Family will receive friends for Carolyn's Life Celebration on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady's Catholic Church, 41348 Medley's Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 with Reverend Lawrence Young officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be James Neugent, Brian Woode, Steven Neugent, Conner Woode, Mike Hoaglin, and Jeff Roberts. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Richard Abraham, Harry Horn, Bobby Tippett, and other friends and family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD 20650.