Memorial
Prudence Lynn Johnston, 46, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on June 29th, 2021 at home. A celebration of life will be held at Cedar Memorial on Saturday, July 10th, from 2pm - 4pm with private eulogies graveside to follow.
Prudence was born to Rebecca Pence and Paul Wells on August 4th, 1974, in Iowa City, Iowa. After graduating from Jefferson High School she married Paul Carnicle and in 1993 their son, Seth, was born. She trained at Capris College and had a short career as a stylist before devoting herself to her home and family full time.
Prudence married Jeffrey Johnston on August 11th, 2000 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Their son, Ian, was born in 2001, and son, Roman, was born in 2003. Together they had many adventures, traveling the world, scuba diving and sightseeing, and keeping up with their busy boys closer to home, coaching soccer and basketball and traveling for wrestling and golf tournaments.
Prudence had a rare warmth and vibrancy that attracted many friends throughout her life. She lit up any room she walked into, greeting loved ones and strangers alike with her radiant smile and heart. She was unfailingly generous, opening her home and arms to whoever needed a place to rest and an ear to listen. She spent her life taking care of others, beginning with her little sister Lisa who—like so many others who loved Prudence—admired her and depended on her candor and wisdom. Prudence loved her sons fiercely and devoted herself to them with singular focus. She loved music, connecting with friends, and cheering on her Hawkeyes. She had an innate artistic sensibility that found various forms throughout her life including dance, drawing, and in her final years, creative writing.
She was deeply loved by her parents, siblings, friends, and her boys Ian and Roman whom she cherished above all others. Those who knew her describe her as fierce, strong, beautiful, funny, brave, and outgoing. She was not afraid to be herself or assume the spotlight, but whenever she did she made room for others to join her in it. The world is lesser without her in it. She will be desperately missed.
Prudence is survived by her husband Jeffrey Johnston and her sons Ian Johnston of Vermillion, South Dakota and Roman Johnston of Cedar Rapids; her mother Rebecca Miller (Pence), stepfather Charles Miller, and brothers Aaron Miller and Ben Miller of Cedar Rapids; her father Paul Wells of Anna, Texas; her sister Lisa Wells of Seattle, Washington; her granddaughter Brighton; and by a legion of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends across the country.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her beloved son, Seth Carnicle.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the families’ non-profit, The Choices Network, Ltd. www.thechoicesnetwork.org.