HOT SPRINGS — Bobbie Jean (McGriff) Johnston,

age 83, of Hot Springs, passed away February 11, 2021. She was born November 27, 1937 to C. Leo McGriff and Verna (McCollum) McGriff in Fordyce. She is preceded in death by her father, C. Leo McGriff; mother, Verna (McCollum) McGriff Barlow; husband, Bob Johnston; son, Mark McGriff Johnston; and constant companion of the last 11 years, Sarah Beth.

Bobbie Jean married George Robert “Bob” Johnston on December 20, 1958 and they were married for 40 years until he passed in 1998. She loved her family and friends who remember her as funny, kind, generous and a true Southern Lady. Bobbie Jean was a world class shopper and enjoyed decorating her house for each holiday and season change. She learned to play Bridge in college and never stopped playing with friends and online.

Bobbie Jean is survived by her son, Gregory Scott Johnston of Arkadelphia; cousins: Catherine Wood Moseley, Mary Ruth Wood Glass, Barbara McCollum Weatherly all of Fordyce, Kay McGriff Talley of Conway, Frances Caldwell Magie of Lavon, Texas, Glen Caldwell of Monroe, La., Charlie McCollum of Chicago, Ill., Raye Ann Southall of Bryant, Ark., James B. Southall of Carlsbad, Calif., and Jean Brooks of Hot Springs; friends: Robin and David Oliver, Sheila Knight, Martha Rice, Mary Ann Kimberlin, and Aurica Platon all of Hot Springs.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, Inc., PO Box 3964, Batesville, Ark., 72503-3964.

The family will have a private service and burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia. Arrangements under the direction of Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St, Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923. www.ruggleswilcox.com.