Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Dorothy Louise “Boocey” Johnston, 73, passed away peacefully during the evening hours of February 9, 2024.  She was born on August 17, 1950, in Washington, DC to the late Joseph and Dorothy Newman.  Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Newman; brothers Joseph H. Newman, John F. Newman; sisters, Carrie B. Marcelli, Mary M. Newman, and Frances A. Anderson. Dorothy was the third of eight children. 

Spending her early years in DC, she attended DC Public Schools and later Prince George’s Community College after moving to Maryland. Dorothy served for over fifty years in the DC and Federal governments as an HR Specialist having worked at the US Department of Defense, Department of Treasury, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  She went on to work as a contractor in Human Resources at the Department of Transportation.  She was a beautiful soul who was loved and cherished by many.  She loved her family. Knowing everyone was safe and well gave her heart rest.  She would give her last to anyone who was in need.  She enjoyed the simple things in life, like having her morning coffee while watching the news.  She was related to several large families in Washington,DC and Southern Maryland and maintained frequent contact with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, throughout the area.
 
She had a strong belief in the Lord and she was a devoted and active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.  She served on various church committees and served two years as president of St. Mary’s Ladies Auxiliary.  She was always willing to get involved, Dorothy volunteered on various community service projects; to include picnics for blind people, baby showers for single mothers, providing food for the less fortunate, Christmas in April, and serving on a homeowner’s association board.
 
She took pride and joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow up.  Each day was a blessing and she was grateful to God for having lived a full life. Family was central to her life and she loved to be around family members as much as possible.  Family gatherings were eagerly anticipated and were truly joyful events for Dorothy.

While working for the DC Government, a mutual friend introduced her to Thomas. They were united as one on September 8, 2007. They enjoyed spending together at the family beach house.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of sixteen years Thomas Johnston; two daughters and one son, Deborah Cornelius, Dion Cornelius (Maritere), and Michelle Bascoe (Ray); five grandchildren, Brandon Cornelius, Kiyah Cornelius, D’Andre Cornelius, Jeremiah Bascoe, Jada Bascoe; one brother, Bernard Newman (Stella); one sister, Marie Monroe, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives, and many friends including a very special friend Dottie Whitt.

 Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dorothy’s life on Friday, February 23, 2024, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, at 14908 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD.  A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.

 Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD.  Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

 In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted via check or money order, in memory of Dorothy Johnston to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, C/O Tara Filicicchia, 14908 Main St. Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772.

Dorothy Louise Johnston

Dorothy Louise Johnston

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