marie Johnson

MARIE A. JOHNSON 85 of Alba, our precious Mother and Grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday April 15, 2007, from Kalkaska Long Term Care. Marie had courageously battled cancer for nearly 11 years. She was born March 9, 1922 to Glen and Edna (Brown) Badgley. Marie's father was sheriff of Antrim County and her mother Edna was a homemaker. Marie was an athletic child and very studious. She graduated as valedictorian of her class and soon married Harold F. Southwell. Their union was blessed with four beautiful children, Sherry Sue (Tony-diseased) Kilbourn, Barbara E. (Philip) Smith, identical twins H. Bruce (Barbara) Southwell, and H. Bryce (Jodi) Southwell. Marie's pride and joy were her four children and she dedicated her life to promoting their well-being. Marie Badgley Southwell later married Harley Johnson and they were blessed with 25 years together. After Harley's death, Marie's life was greatly enriched by the close friendship of Mr. Dale Sandeen. Dale's sudden death in fatal car accident in Jan 06 left a deep void in her life. All of Marie's children survive including her twelve grandchildren and her twenty great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 19, at 11 a.m. at the Evergreen Bible Baptist Church in Kalkaska on Saunders Road. The Rev. David B. Southwell and the Pastor William D. Kuiper will officiate. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. Marie was a charter member of the Mancelona Baptist Church and served as treasurer for thirty years. She was very active in her church, loved music, singing in the choir and taught her children to do the same. Marie was a dedicated Christian, a role model with a generous, unselfish spirit, and a desire to serve others. She was an employee of the Antrim County State Savings Bank in Mancelona under Carlton B Neeland, President. Marie retired after 30 years of service as Vice President. Marie loved her job with the people she was able to serve. Marie will be greatly missed by her family. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. If you care to give a memorial in Marie's name please direct to the American Cancer Society. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please send online condolences to www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.