HelenAnne (Fairman) Johnston died suddenly at her home in Wake on August 1.
At the age of 59 (February 25, 1965), she was actively engaged as the nutritionist
for all of the horses at Fountain Greene Farm for the last seven years. HelenAnne
started riding horses early, progressing from her first pony at six to become an
active member of 4-H. While riding and raising two riding daughters, Lilly Rose
Johnston and Emily Marie Johnston Gentry, HelenAnne spent 20 years working in
restaurant and retail management. In her "spare time" she directed a Pony Club
and served as a 4-H leader, competing successfully at the state and national
levels.
Her da.ughters Lilly and Emily share her commitment to horses and work
professionally in the industry. She is also survived by her devoted husband Carl
Edward Johnston of 29 years and her third daughter Holly Amber Johnston, an
artist. She was a devoted family member and never missed a horse show of her
granddaughter Marissa Falerina Johnston- Ferreira as well as being a major
presence in the lives of her twin grandsons, Conrad Redferd Bruce Gentry and
Walter Edward Brom Gentry.
Partner of Fountain Greene Farm and long term friend Kate Carey noted, "I
worked with her for many years and she was the most consistent person I have
ever known- always there with a fast smile and a hearty laugh." Nancy Banfield
owner of Fountain Greene noted, "We all knew we could count on her. She was
not only dedicated to the welfare of old horses but she also cared about the
needs of everyone around her."
A celebration of her life is to take place at her home, 716 Pintail Trail Wake, VA
23176 on September 7, 2024 at 4pm.
Her family has suggested that memorial donations be made to a nonprofit close
to her heart: Fountain Greene Ponies For Kids Inc., 1892 Wake Rd. Wake VA
23176