Marie Johnson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Marie K. Johnson, 89, of East Lynn, died at 9:20 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2011, at Heartland Health Care Center, Paxton. She was born Jan. 23, 1922, in Milford, to Thorkild Severinson and Hazel Nelson. She married Wilmer C. Johnson Jan. 25, 1941, in St. Joseph. Surviving are daughters, Linda S. Clark of Spring, Texas, Lorretta J. White of East Lynn and Terri M. Johnson of Spring, Texas. Marie raised her sister's children after a tragic accident: Wesley Johnson, Louie Varnado and Hope Varnado. Also surviving are three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ross and James; sister, Florence "Brownie"; and one nephew. Mrs. Johnson served as the postmaster in East Lynn from 1946 until 1957. She was a member of the Hoopeston First Presbyterian Church. She served as the church organist at the East Lynn United Methodist Church and the Hoopeston First Presbyterian Church. Marie played the organ at many weddings and funerals also. Along with the organ, Mrs. Johnson also played the piano and started playing for her Sunday school at the age of 9. Marie enjoyed playing for various school events and was also in the Lyle Mitchell Band with her husband, Wilmer. Marie was a member of the American Guild of Organists and the Vermilion Valley Quilters. She enjoyed being a seamstress, quilting and needle crafts. She used her talents to serve her country by making clothing and socks for the soldiers during World War II. Marie loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with her love for music. Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Services: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at First Presbyterian Church, 915 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, with the Rev. Ann Schwartz officiating. Burial: East Lynn Cemetery, East Lynn. Visitation: noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church. Memorials: Vermilion County Handicap Association, P.O. Box 1151, Danville, IL, 61834-1151; or Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL, 60601.

Marie Johnson

April 25, 1922 - April 25, 2011