Emma Jean Workman Johnston

Emma Jean Workman Johnston passed away on July 21, 2022 in her home in Vernal. She was born to Henry and Jennie Oaks Workman on December 23, 1932. Jean married Asa Robert Johnston on July 17, 1951. They had 5 children. Jean graduated from Uintah High School in 1951 and never missed a class reunion. Jean was a hairdresser and worked at a few other salons before turning her garage into her own salon in the late 60ʼs. She had a great business and was able to be there for the kids. She always said she couldn’t retire until Rhoda passed because no one else could do her hair. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints even though she was not active until her later years.

She was very conservative with water and we were all afraid to go near the sink. She had buckets in every sink to catch water before it turned hot. Not sure how dad got away with water for the garden.

Some of Jeans most memorable times were at the baseball park watching her kids and grandkids. She loved supporting them in all the sports they participated in. She watched several of her great grandkids participate in many sports well. And with her love for golf, she tried to get all of her kids, grandkids and even the great grandkids interested in playing it. Her and Asaʼs love for the game was instilled in a few of them.

She loved playing golf and had many friends at the golf course. She was one of the first members of Vernal Ladies Golf and was known as the peacemaker and especially known for her infectious laugh. She and Asa spent many vacations traveling with friends to play courses in other places. She had many friends from school, work and golf that she kept in touch with and we can say she was a true friend. She didn’t like anyone saying negative things about anyone else. Not sure how many times we heard her say if you don’t have anything nice to say about them don’t say anything at all. Jean spent countless hours knitting and crocheting and tying quilts. She loved to give them away and her family reaped the benefits. We all have many items that will remind us of her when we see them in our homes.

 Jean loved her family very much. They all brought her great joy. She was always saying how thankful she was that all of her children lived close to her. She loved her visits with all that came to see her and in her later years she had a special place for Morgan that would visit her once a week to eat the bread or brownies she baked and play cards until she was tired. Love for her family was what kept her going after Asa passed away.

Jean is survived by her children W.R. Bill Johnston, of Vernal, Kim Mowry, of Vernal, Gayle (Dan) Smuin, of Vernal, Gina (Tom) Reese, of Vernal, Rafe (Tammy) Johnston, of Vernal, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her sweetheart Asa R. Johnston, parents; Henry and Jenny Workman, and siblings; Lluana Timothy, Enid Hullinger, Dan Workman.

Funeral Services For Emma Jean are scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 11 AM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Friends and family can gather for a Viewing on Wednesday, 9:30- time of services.

Burial will be in the Rockpoint Cemetery next to her sweetheart Asa.