Margaret E. Johnson

Margaret was a woman who lived a full and vibrant life, a life full of family, of laughter, and of friendship. She was so many things to so many people, a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a dignified lady. But what Margaret was most of all, was a beloved friend to so many, who will never forget how much she meant to them. Margaret was born July 30, 1914, on a warm Thursday in Muskegon, the eldest of five children. Margaret was joined by younger siblings Marcella, Enoch, Melvin and Ellen Marie. When she was just a toddler, however, the family packed up their home in Muskegon and moved across the lake, to the Windy City of Chicago, where her father had gone in search of better work in those lean days of World War I. Chicago was better to the family, and Margaret spent most of her youth there. But the family returned to the sandy shores of Muskegon when she was 17, returning her to her roots, and where her life would truly begin. Margaret enrolled in Muskegon High School to finish her schooling, and while many people would find that a difficult age to change schools, Margaret was unfazed. She always made friends so easily; she made the transition as seamlessly and gracefully as possible, just as she handled everything in her life. After she graduated, she began working at a hat store on Western Avenue, which was fitting for a young woman who always wanted to look her best. She then left home, to live with a family as their nanny to their two children in Muskegon for a time. But it wouldn't be long before she had a family of her own to consider. One night while on a double date, Margaret met a handsome young man named Jack Johnson, and the sparks flew between them. Her life changed in an instant, as it was a classic case of love at first sight for both of them. Their romance ensued, and they had so much fun together, enjoying the theater, plays, or going dancing or enjoying the Muskegon nightlife with their many close and lifelong friends. But with the darkening skies of World War II looming on the horizon, the happy young couple knew it was only a matter of time before circumstances separated them. So on November 18, 1942, they excitedly exchanged vows in Muskegon, just prior to Jack heading off to fight the war. While Jack was overseas, he missed the birth of his first child, as Margaret gave birth to son Charles. During those days of hardship and housing shortages, Margaret had moved in with Jack's parents, who helped her raising Chuck. While he was in the military, Jack had the chance to make some extra money - gambling. Luckily enough for he and his young family back home, he was also quite good at it, and sent his considerable winnings home to his beloved Margaret to stash away, saving for their new home on his return. Margaret was making money, as well, working at Amazon and Continental Motors in Muskegon until the end of the war, when Jack finally came home to her. At war's end, Jack got a hero's welcome, returning to a loving family, a big steak and a cold beer! The family moved into a new home on Jefferson Street in Muskegon Heights, which they loved so much. Jack, after a three-month break, went to work at Campbell Wyant and Cannon. And together, he and Margaret started building their family. That's when the babies came! First came Barbara, then David, Jimmy and much later Tommy, filling the Johnson home with energy, love and laughter. And what a wonderful home it was. Margaret and Jack became very close with their neighbors and friends and growing families, forming lifelong bonds with them. It was truly a picture-perfect slice of the American Dream they shared, filled with fish fries, block parties, holidays, picnics and cottages in northern Michigan. These were the sun-kissed days when stories were shared, memories were made, and traditions were formed, traditions they passed on to their children, and their children's children. But sadly, Margaret's many blessings didn't come without hurdles in her life. One Sunday in 1977, her son Tommy was killed in an automobile accident, naturally devastating her, Jack and the entire family. Four years later, she suffered another tragic loss with the death of her beloved Jack, who had retired in September of 1980 and died January 1, 1981. But Margaret dealt with these losses the way she handled everything, with grace, and strength. She also leaned on the many, many dear friends she made over the years, who were always close at hand for her. She enjoyed so many things with her friends, whether it was shopping, eating at restaurants or taking trips together. But what she valued most was simply their friendship. After Jack's death, Margaret lived alone at the family home on Jefferson Street for another 15 years, before selling it after 45 wonderful, memory-filled years. Her health had declined, and many surgeries followed, yet she remained as undaunted as ever. She persevered, without complaint, just as she always had. Margaret was always dignified, always a lady. In her later years, her life was filled by her family and many friends, who helped keep her spirits up, and her mind as sharp as ever. She loved to keep up on current events. But mostly, she loved her family, cared for their happiness and health, and nurtured about her "kids." On Sunday, January 22, 2006, her "kids" were by her side, while her makeup was on and her hair was in place, just as she always had to have it. On Monday, she was reunited with her loving husband Jack and son Tommy. Margaret lived a full and vibrant life, a life full of family, of laughter, and of friendship. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a dignified lady, and a friend to so many. Margaret was blessed with so many family and friends. But not nearly as blessed as they were to have known her. She will be greatly missed. Margaret was blessed with three sons, Charles (Susan) of Haslett, MI, David (Laura) of Ohio & Jim (Sis) of Muskegon; 1 daughter, Barbara (Dave) Patton of AZ; 7 grandchildren, Tom, Susan, Chuck Jr, Jason, Stephanie, Brian 9 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, a son, Tom, 2 brothers & 2 sisters.