Judith Ann Johnston, age 88, of Dawson Springs, KY passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville. Ms. Johnston, better known by her students as “Ms J”, was born on July 13, 1938 to Joseph William McGregor and Mary Louise Workman McGregor. She received a BA, MA, and SCT from Murray State University. “Ms J” was a retired teacher having served in the Dawson Springs Independent School District from 1977 through 2005 as the “Senior English Teacher”. Additionally, she taught German, Speech and for many years directed the “Senior Plays”. Additionally, she Co-wrote and Co-produced “Dawson Highlights”, a summer annual local production for many years. She was a member of the Dawson Springs Primitive Baptist Church.

Ms. Johnston is survived by her three daughters, ~ Lisa Ann Winfrey (Jon) of Lawrenceburg, KY; Lori Ann Vaughn (Jay) of Madisonville, KY; and Julie Ann Palmer (William) of Sikeston, MO; eleven grandchildren, Jeffrey Daniel Johnston, William Brown Johnston II, Joshua William Winfrey, Jeriann Louise Winfrey, Tyler Christian Vaughn, Marshall Aaron Vaughn, Caleb Mitchell Vaughn, Jacob Conner Palmer, Anna-Joy Palmer, Christopher William Palmer, and Jonathan McGregor Palmer, and eight Great Grandchildren.

Preceding Ms. Johnston in death was her husband, William Brown Johnston, Sr. and her son, Jeffrey William Johnston.

Visitation for Judith Ann Johnston, will be Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 1:00 PM until the funeral service time of 3:00 PM, at Beshear Funeral Home, Dawson Springs, KY with Elder Jeff Winfrey and Dr. Brian Williams officiating.

Burial will follow at the Rosedale Cemetery in Dawson Springs, KY.

Pallbearers include: Dan Corum, Caleb Vaughn, Kevin McGee, Joshua Winfrey, Mark McGregor, and Johnny McGregor.