— In July, pharmacist and Colony Drug and Wellness Center owner Patty Johnston-Frail welcomed her daughter Caity Frail as the newest pharmacist on board at the Beckley business. Caity is the third-generation pharmacist and graduate of the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. Her grandfather, the late Harold Johnston, opened Cohen’s Drug Store in Beckley in 1951. His daughter, Patty Johnston-Frail, became a pharmacist and worked with him until his death 14 years ago.

When Huntington native Harold Johnston came to Beckley in 1951 to open Cohen’s Drug Store in Beckley, the Huntington native figured he’d stay about three months. Instead, the late pharmacist founded a legacy now in its third generation.

His daughter Patty Johnston-Frail followed the path of the mortar and pestle and worked side-by-side with her dad for a number of years. The Johnstons bought the store, which had become Colony Drug.

“When I was growing up, I toyed with the idea of becoming a pharmacist. I hung out with my dad. I liked the smell of a drug store. Our pharmacies don’t have that antiseptic smell today, and I sort of miss it,” Johnston said.

In July, her daughter Caity Frail came on board as the newest pharmacist in the business now known as Colony Drug and Wellness Center.

“I never thought for a moment she would be a pharmacist. She always told me when she was growing up, she would never be a pharmacist or a lawyer, and she wasn’t going to West Virginia University,” the proud mom said. “I thought she would be a writer or an artist.”

Caity wasn’t sure. She spent a lot of time in the pharmacy, but it wasn’t until her junior year of high school, she decided on her career.

“I was always hanging around Colony and watching my mom work. One day it just occurred to me, ‘I could do this.’ It does grow on you. I’m very happy about my decision,” the 2009 WVU School of Pharmacy graduate said.

She remembers her grandfather for his kindness to customers and his strong work ethic. “He was a hard worker, and he loved being a pharmacist.”

All three generations share not only a pharmacy career but loyalty to the same alma mater.

“Dad was always so proud of WVU, and it was just a given that I would go there. I was thrilled when Caity made her choice to go there, but her dad and I wanted that to be truly her choice, and it was,” Johnston said.

Unfortunately, Harold had passed away before Caity made her choice.

“He really wanted his children to pick up the mantle. I was ecstatic to see Caity come on board here,”  Johnston said. “I just know how excited my dad would be about this. He was a big WVU School of Pharmacy supporter, and lots of our friends have gone there because of my dad’s influence.”

Once Caity had decided on a career in health care, she narrowed down the choice by choosing a field that allows lots of one-on-one time with customers.

“We have several pharmacists here, and because this is an independent pharmacy, I have the time to sit down and talk with someone as long as I need to in order to help them understand what they need to know about the medication they are taking,” Caity said. “Doctors don’t always have the time to spend a lot of time explaining things to patients. That’s where a pharmacist can be very helpful in answering all their questions and giving them additional information that will help them to be able to take their medication correctly.”

The field of pharmacy has expanded to include more than filling prescriptions and dispensing them.

Caity has specialized training in diabetes training, compounding, and giving immunizations.

She and her mom share the hope they will be remembered for the kind of care and commitment Johnston’s father offered customers.

“He set the bar high for us,” Johnston said. “Older customers will often come in and tell me a story about how Dad helped them in some special way. We want to be able to keep that legacy going.”



— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com