Biography: Amy Elizabeth Gray Light (Johnston), 66, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 2^nd 1958 to Tom and Ruth Ann Gray. She lived there attending Parkview High school, graduating in 1976, and graduated the University of Arkansas in 1981 with a focus in journalism.

From her home in Arkansas she moved to Alta (outside of Salt Lake City), Utah continuing a modeling career. She also began her lifelong love of the Southwest culture and land.

She then moved to Washington, D.C. to begin her career as a writer. She became an associate writer for Architectural Technology magazine published by the American Institute of Architects.

At the age of 29, while working as an editor at Architecture Magazine she met her future husband James Houston Eccleston “Excy” Johnston during an interview on his architecture for the magazine.

Amy and Excy moved to Green Spring, Maryland to his family estate of Burnside where they were later married. After several years they moved home to Arkansas and lived on Petit Jean Mountain, where she became the editor of newsletters and speeches for Winrock International. She then progressed to public relations officer and became an award-winning annual report writer and editor.

Throughout her career she had many free-lance opportunities to include publications in local and state magazines in Arkansas and Maryland, the New York Times, and wrote several articles for “Chicken Soup for the Soul”.

Amy was diagnosed with Von Hippel Landau syndrome at the age of 23, a rare genetic disorder. Over her lifetime Amy was able to provide a huge amount of information garnered through her treatment by the National Institutes of Health to assist in progressing the understanding and treatment of VHL. She was passionate about aiding countless future generations to decrease their potential pain and suffering caused by the condition. She has written and reported about her journey in publications, symposiums, and conferences in coordination with NIH and the National Organization of Rare diseases.

Amy has volunteered as a co-facilitator for seven grief bereavement groups; she found comfort in helping people overcome the challenges of navigating loss during the grieving process.

Amy inherited both her parents’ love of art and enjoyed carding (Stampin’Up!), writing, cooking, reading, movies and being in nature on her farm on Wye Mountain. She and Excy traveled to Mexico and London and spent many vacations in the Southwest.
Excy also shared Amy’s love of animals. She helped Excy create and maintain the only nonprofit sanctuary in Arkansas for wild mustangs. They lovingly maintained a herd of 23 rescued horses throughout their time on Wye Mountain. They also rescued 29 cats and 9 dogs over the years. Amy’s love for animals, especially cats, was an enduring characteristic that was integral to her heart and soul.

Amy had a huge heart for her friends and family. Over the years her friends were countless and crucial in her life. She cherished the playful outings, movie watching and events and meaningful conversations. If it weren’t for particular friends, including Cathy, Charlotte, Susan, and her beloved Bev, she literally wouldn’t have made it through the most difficult parts of her path in life nor would she have been able to deeply enjoy the beautiful life she led.

Amy loved being an aunt to her brother Steve’s children (Asher and Sarah) and a grandmother to Parker, Sawyer, Hazel and Izzy. Visits from her granddaughters were the highlight of her world. She felt a deep connection to the girls through imagination, play, and love.

Family survivors include brother Steve Gray (Susan), nephew Asher, niece Sarah McCarley (Matt), and great nephew Gray; step-children Corey Johnston (Stephanie) and granddaughters Hazel and Isabelle of Arkansas; Jamey Johnston of Texas; and Brooks Johnston (Rickey Baronoskie) and granddaughters Parker and Sawyer of Texas;.

The family would like to thank Amy’s caregivers, Latoya Hodges and Charlotte Butler, and Charlotte’s staff that also attended to Amy’s home care, Ayana, Jessica, and Keaira.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for her granddaughter’s medical needs at https://www.givesendgo.com/izzy OR Feline Rescue and Rehome at www.teamfur.org. Services will be at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72223, on Saturday at 2pm. Arrangements are through Ruebel Funeral Home.