Jerry Lew Johnston

December 21, 1941 - January 22, 2020

Jerry Lew Johnston, 78, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2020, at the Atrium Health Charlotte Campus. Jerry was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on December 21, 1941, the son of Albert and Addie Ruth Harris Johnston. He grew up in Charlotte and remained a lifelong resident. Blessed with a talent to work with his hands, Jerry took up the construction trade and could do most anything construction related. He chose to focus on flooring and his talents took him around the country doing large scale flooring jobs such as schools. When not working, Jerry loved spending time in the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were just many of the outdoor activities he enjoyed. With a willingness to help others, he could also be found doing handyman projects, yardwork and mowing for most anyone who had a need without them even asking. Jerry was well known for his hard work, his integrity and his honesty. In 1978, he married the love of his life, Ms. Betty Jean McDonald, who after 34 years of marriage, preceded him in death in 2012. Most of all, as shown by his large heart and compassion for others, Jerry loved the time spent with family, friends and his canine companion, Baby. Jerry is survived by his siblings: Judy (husband Jerome) Poole of Fort Mill, SC, Van (wife Regina) Hill of Charlotte, and Brenda (husband Rick) Wilson of Mt Holly, NC; and his uncle, Frank (wife Ruby) Harris. Jerry is further survived by those who adopted him as a father and grandfather, with grateful appreciation by his family, Lisa Foster, Billy Miller, Jacob Foster, Alissa Miller, and Clyde (wife Terry) Foster; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers: Franklin “Franky” Hill and James “Jimmy” Johnston, and his wife, Betty. Jerry’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. A graveside gathering honoring the life, love and blessing of Jerry’s life will begin at 1:00 on Tuesday, January 28, with a service led by Pr. Tom Winstead to begin at 1:30. Following the service, Jerry will be laid to his final place of earthly rest next to his wife, Betty.