Obituary of William Augustus Johnston

Johnston, William Augustus was born in Camden, NJ on March 1, 1958. He was the fifth of five children born to the late Hiram R. Johnston and the late Samaria Turner Johnston. From an early age, he was lovingly raised by his step-father, the late Gilbert N. Johnson. On Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the age of 51, he departed this life at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ. "Billy", as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was educated in the Camden County public school system. As a youth, he was a sports enthusiast, and would shamelessly brag about his superior basketball skills. Billy enjoyed a successful career as a licensed insurance agent and continued to work diligently to maintain his training and certification, even throughout his illness. Billy loved his family unconditionally and was a true giver from the heart. He was an extremely sociable person who loved to talk and loved to share a good meal with his family and friends. He had a particular fondness for spaghetti and meatballs and had no qualms about soliciting the culinary skills of any willing chef. However, Billy's most defining characteristic was his love for the Lord. Following the example of his devoted mother, Billy accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. A well known prayer warrior, Billy would minister to anyone who would listen. He was committed to Bible study and was well versed in the scriptures. One of his favorite verses was 1 Peter 5:6, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." He remained a committed Christian until he departed this life. He will be deeply missed and he will forever remain in our hearts. Left to cherish his memory are his faithful companion and treasured friend, Shirley Henson; six siblings, Hiram R. Johnston, Jr. (Waradah), Geraldine E. Hines (Ronald), Kevin R. Johnston, Carol "Tammy" Devine and Therol Dix (David); four aunts, Elizabeth Johnston, Darnell Johnston, Ethel Jackson (David) and Bernice Perkins, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.