Plainville mourns longtime mayor Johnston
Longtime Plainville mayor Sally Johnston died on Sunday, Feb. 5, following an extended illness. She was 73.
Johnston began her journey in public service as a council member on the Plainville City Council from 1989 until she was elected Mayor of Plainville in November 1999.
Johnston served as mayor during the major beautification projects in downtown Plainville during her time as mayor, including an updated streetscape that included new sidewalks and decorative lighting. She was also mayor for the Plainville Recreation Department Gymnasium build project. According to Plainville City Clerk Sandra Langston, Johnston was active with the Plainville Recreation Department before her time of public service and continued to dedicate her time to the facility while serving on the Council.
In addition to her duties as mayor, Johnston worked in the Gordon County Tax Commissioner’s Office, where she had worked for 27 years. According to Gordon County Human Resources Director Garah Childers, Johnston worked under three different tax commissioners. She was hired by former Gordon County Tax Commissioner Harold Bennett in 1990 and continued her work in the office for Peggy Smith and current Tax Commissioner Scott Clements. Johnston mainly handled commercial vehicle tax and tags.
“I had the good fortune to work with Sally for a little over eight years,” said Clements. “There was never a dull moment. She truly loved people and was a tremendous asset to Gordon County. She will be missed.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Martin will assume the duties of mayor for Plainville, with council member James Miller being voted into the mayor pro tem position on Monday night. The Council will fill Miller’s vacancy by appointment.
A Memorial Service to honor the life of Mrs. Sally Chapman Johnston will be held Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 p. m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5: 00 PM until the service hour.
The family suggests memorial contributions in Sally’s name be made to the Gordon County Animal Shelter, 790 Harris Beamer Road, Calhoun, GA 30701.