Celia Faye Childress Johnston, age 78, of Leitchfield, KY, passed away Sunday, (January 15, 2023) at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Celia was born on October 23, 1944 at Roseburg in Hart County, the daughter of the late Elza and Mable Kessinger Childress.

She was a farmer and a homemaker who enjoyed gardening and sewing. An avid reader, she loved spending time with family, and working with children. She was particularly involved in growing the Missy Johnston Scholarship Fund, which was devoted to encouraging children and young adults to pursue their love of music. She was a member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Celia is survived by her husband of 61 years, James N. "Spike" Johnston; two daughters, Linda Johnston and Rhonda Jacobs (Kenny), both of Leitchfield; eight grandchildren, Alexis VanMeter (Josh), Jacob Hodges (Ursula), Chris Jacobs (Michelle), Caleb Milliner (Kali), Tyler Jacobs, Merissa Probus, C.J. Johnston & James "Spikie" Johnston III; eight great-grandchildren, Makenzy Johnston, Ally Vanmeter, Sidney Vanmeter, Lane and Payton Jacobs, Alice Hodges, Caleb Milliner II, and Teddy Milliner; two sisters, Helen Sanders (Jimmy) of Cub Run & Janice Willis (Donnie) of Leitchfield; two brothers, Howard Childress (Patty) and Michael Childress (Betty), both of Cub Run. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Other than her parents, Celia was preceded in death by two children, Jamie Johnston & Melissa "Missy" Johnston; seven siblings, Charles Childress, Wilma Jean Childress, Barbara Day, Morris N. Childress, William "Bill" Childress, Thomas Childress, and Ronnie Gene Childress.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, (January 22, 2023) at the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Clarkson, KY. Father Brandon Williams will be officiating. Entombment will be in the St. Benedict Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. Sunday until 12:30 p.m. at which time services will move to the St. Benedict Catholic Church where visitation will continue from 1:00 p.m. until time of services. Prayers will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Dermitt Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of flower donations or contributions to the Missy Johnston Scholarship Fund.