Obituary of Walter Reji Johnston

Walter Reji Johnston was born in Camden, NJ on February 15, 1954 to the late Hiram R. Johnston Sr. and the late Samaria Turner Johnston. He also had a devoted stepfather, the late Gilbert N. Johnson. On January 18, 2022, at the age of sixty-seven, Walter - affectionately known as “Reji” or “Pooge” - passed away at Complete Care of Burlington Woods, Burlington, NJ after a short and courageous battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, Reji was surrounded by loving family members. Reji attended Camden City public schools and worked in manufacturing and retail sales. On December 11, 2011, he married Valerie Pryor, of Palmyra, NJ. He professed a firm belief in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Miller’s Temple Church of God in Christ in Palmyra, NJ, where Valerie and her family are life-long members. Known for his fun-loving personality, Reji was the life of the party who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was passionate about music, especially the “Oldies but Goodies” from the Motown era. He had a great sense of humor and always could be relied upon to tell a good joke. Reji loved sports. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan, and he often bragged unabashedly about his superior basketball skills and even called himself “Mr. Wonderful.” Reji was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Johnston. He is survived by his wife, Valerie; his children, Reji Darrell Johnston, Kaamilya Merritt, Rejina Merritt, Kyle Johnston (Alana); his siblings, Hiram R. Johnston, Jr., Geraldine Hines (Ronald), Kevin Johnston, Carol B. (Tammy) Johnston-Devine, and Therol Dix (David); his aunt, Ethel Jackson (David); as well as thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be greatly missed. Lovingly submitted, The Family