Joseph Dow Johnston, also known as "J" departed this life on Friday, January the 23rd, 2015 at the West Georgia Hospice, LaGrange, Georgia.

He was born the fourth of four children to Elisha and Fannie Johnston on May 28, 1922. He joined the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church at an early age and continued his membership through the years.

He attended high school and college in Tuskegee, Alabama, doing further study at Alabama State University. He taught Band and Social Studies in the state of Georgia and Alabama for 30 years.

He leaves to mourn his passing, a wife, Esther Johnston; a daughter, Gwendolyn Johnston; three grandchildren; two nieces; and a host of relatives and friends.