Margaret “Nell” Johnston (June 21, 1922 – November 24, 2017)
A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Nell lived in New Orleans and Harahan, Louisiana, for most of her life. She was a graduate of Tulane University and a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. She was a member of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church and an ordained elder.
Nell was a dedicated woman of faith and an inspiration to many. She was passionate about mission work, particularly in creating strong relationships and partnerships with Christian churches in Cuba.
In addition to her active role in local church endeavors, she held positions in regional and national levels in global mission work, a service which brought her honors from the Presbytery of South Louisiana and the Presbytery of Matanzas, Cuba.
“When speaking of international partnerships, I often quote Livy, the Roman historian, who wrote about the time of Christ – words so true today, about 2000 years later – ‘We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them.’ Let us all, to the best or our abilities, by whatever means are open to us, continue our efforts to build bridges of understanding and friendship between our peoples and eventually our countries.”
Margaret Nell Johnston: Religion and Human Values in Cuba Today (June 2005) (walterlippmann.com)
For many years, Nell served as the President of the Presbyterian Foundation of Louisiana. In recognition of her devoted service, and in her honor and memory, this Memorial Fund was created. It will expand the scholarships that are the focus of the Hyne Fund but will also include additional scholarships and grants within the Mission of the Presbyterian Foundation of Louisiana, Inc.
Tyler Witt “Bud” Aldrich (August 1, 1929-January 2, 2023)
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tyler attended college at the University of Michigan and graduated from Louisiana State University. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge and a Mason.
Initially a homebuilder in New Orleans, he became accomplished in computer design and later utility company infrastructure maintenance in Baton Rouge and throughout the state.
He served as an officer in the intelligence division of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and became a licensed private pilot.
In addition to being active at his church, he was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity homes construction and enjoyed repairing bicycles for children’s organizations.
Being without immediate family survivors, Tyler generously dedicated his estate donations to the University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge and three Presbyterian foundations including the Presbyterian Foundation of Louisiana to assist them in continuing their missions.
