Brenda Joyce Johnston (Woolf) stepped into the arms of Jesus on October 25, 2026, in Abilene, TX at the age of 83.

Brenda was born on September 15, 1943, in Fisher County, TX to Leo Burton Woolf and Elsie Cantrell. She married the love of her life Harold (Frank) Franklin Johnston on February 20,1960. They loved each other faithfully until his passing in 2021.

Brenda enjoyed life. Once when asked about growing older she responded, "age is just a number, and I am determined to get the most out of every stage of life." She accomplished this even when over the last few years Alzheimer's robbed her of an unending contagious zest for life, she still managed to smile and laugh with family and friends, to sing and dance, to love Jesus and get the most out of that stage of her beautiful life.

Brenda loved sharing her enthusiasm for life with friends and family. She was a caring mom not only to her three children, but to the many children who entered their home. She was Granny to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and soon became known as Granny to other children and adults alike.

Brenda's love for children led her to become a teacher's aid at Wylie Elementary School for several years. She was a long-time member of Trinity Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and children's church for five decades. The last few years she was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

For Brenda life was an adventure best experienced through loving and trusting God and loving every person who crossed her journey through life. Her impact on others will carry on, but she will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, seven siblings, a grandson Brent Mankin, and her son-in-law Stephen Parrish.

She is survived by three children, Diana Mankin (Weldon) of Abilene, TX, Scott Johnston (Carolyn) of Wabash, IN, and Tammy Parrish of Abilene. Also, nine grand-children, twenty-three great-children, many nieces, nephews, and all who affectionately knew her as Granny.

A time of visitation will be 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, November 1, 2026 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, November 2, 2026 at Pioneer Baptist Church, 701 S Pioneer Drive, Abilene, Texas.