Elizabeth “Pete” Grady Johnston, 98, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, passed away Saturday morning at her daughter’s residence in Sharon, South Carolina. Born July 1, 1928, in Moncks Corner, she was the daughter of Ira Melvin Grady, Sr. and Minnie Anderson Grady.
Pete was a graduate of Berkeley High School, where she also played basketball for the Stags. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Limestone College and her Master’s degree from The Citadel. She began her teaching career in 1947 as a seventh-grade teacher at Berkeley High School. Except for a four-year period teaching in North Charleston, she devoted her entire career to the Berkeley County Department of Education, retiring in 1987 from Berkeley Middle School after 40 years of service.
A lifelong member of Moncks Corner United Methodist Church, Pete was baptized and married there and was also a member of the Newell Circle. She was lovingly known throughout the community as “Ma Pete,” a name that reflected the motherly care, warmth, and encouragement she shared with so many. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and deeply cared for her students and friends.
In 1963, Pete served as the initiating educator of the first Kappa conclave in South Carolina, which grew to more than 10 conclaves. The first state meeting was held in Columbia in the late 1960s. Throughout the years, she served on many state and national committees, including leading the Upsilon State Nominating Committee for more than 30 years. For more than 40 years, Pete was a familiar and beloved presence representing Upsilon State at national conventions.
Pete was an avid bridge player and a devoted Clemson football fan. She also served for many years as a Commissioner of the Berkeley Soil and Water Conservation District. In addition to her parents, Pete was preceded in death by her husband, T.E. Johnston; a son, Ira Michael Johnston; and her brothers, Mel Grady and Jack Grady.
She is survived by her daughter, Beth J. Schurlknight and her husband, Jack, of Sharon, South Carolina; her son, T.E. “Tom” Johnston, III, and his wife, Anne, of Cramerton, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Larabeth S. Smith and her husband, Tony, Will Johnston and his wife, Lauren, and Allison Morgan and her husband, Will; and one great grandson, Tate Smith.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Dial-Murray Funeral Home, Moncks Corner. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Moncks Corner United Methodist Church, 106 Church St., Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Agape Hospice Care and to Pete’s special caregiver, Tammy Bailey, for their compassionate care, kindness, and support.
Pete’s legacy will live on through her deep love for Berkeley County, her church, Kappa Alpha, her bridge club, and the generations of students whose lives she touched through her lifelong dedication to education.