ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands — More than seven years after her death, the generosity and spirit of service of former Hodge’s Creek resident and United States Navy veteran Alfrieda Mae “Gale” Johnston are continuing to benefit the people of the British Virgin Islands.
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has received a $35,916.39 bequest from Johnston’s estate, a gift that will help support educational opportunities for future generations of Virgin Islands students.
Johnston was born on June 21, 1922, and died on November 17, 2018, at the age of 96.
Her life included a remarkable chapter of military service. During the Second World War, Johnston served in the United States Navy as a photographer and recruiter, receiving an Honourable Discharge in November 1945.
Her service was formally recognised with the World War II Victory Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal.
Before her passing, Johnston named HLSCC as a beneficiary of an investment account held with LPL Financial.
Following the completion of the estate settlement process, along with the required legal and administrative procedures, five holdings were sold. The proceeds, totalling $35,916.39, were transferred to HLSCC in May 2026.
The funds have since been entrusted to the HLSCC Foundation, where they will contribute to the College’s efforts to expand educational opportunities for students.
HLSCC President Dr. Richard Georges described Johnston’s gift as a lasting continuation of her commitment to service.
“This gift is a powerful reminder that a legacy of service can continue long after a person’s lifetime,” Dr. Georges said.
He expressed the College’s gratitude to Johnston for remembering HLSCC in her will, particularly because she had no direct family connection to the institution.
“We are deeply grateful to Ms. Johnston for remembering H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in her will,” he said. “Hers is a remarkable act of generosity from someone who had no direct family connection to our institution, yet chose to invest in the future of our students and our Territory.”
Dr. Georges said Johnston’s decision ensures that her commitment to service will continue to have an impact long after her lifetime.
“Through this gift, her commitment to service lives on, and we will honour that generosity by creating opportunities for generations of learners to come.”
Johnston’s bequest is more than a financial contribution. It represents a deliberate decision made during her lifetime to invest in the education and future of people she would never have the opportunity to meet.
For HLSCC, her generosity ensures that the story of a woman who served during one of the world’s most consequential conflicts will continue through the education and opportunities afforded to future generations of Virgin Islanders.