Mildred Johnson

Mildred Johnson knew a life spent learning was a life worth living, and devoted her days to making a difference to others. She was a remarkable woman, intelligent and inspired, and so full of character and compassion. Mildred was a loving wife, sister, aunt and friend, but more than anything, she was a dedicated teacher and advocate, who made such a difference to the lives she touched along the way. Mildreds story began on a cool fall day in 1924, as the leaves came alive with color in Flint, Michigan. Those were such good days in this country, times of peace and prosperity, during the heyday of the Roaring 20s, the automotive boom, and the peak of Prohibition. On October 8, 1924, a cool fall Wednesday in Flint, Rev. Herbert Swanson and his wife Regina (Rosenberg) celebrated the birth of a baby girl, a daughter they named Mildred Lois. Mildred was the middle of three children in the familys home, joining her older brother Eugene and little brother Paul. Her dad was a Lutheran pastor, while her mother cared for the kids and the home, in addition to the never-ending duties associated with being a pastors wife. When Mildred was just a little girl, her dad took a teaching position at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where the family lived for a few years. Then, in 1931, during the dark days of the Great Depression, her dad became the pastor at Samuel Lutheran Church in the beautiful shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan, where Mildred would live most of her days. The family moved into the parsonage across the street from the church, located on Houston Avenue. Mildred attended Nelson Elementary School, before heading off to Muskegon High School. There she became an active, involved student, and her love for learning became an indelible trait in her life. Mildred joined the camera club at Muskegon High, where she met a handsome young classmate named Conrad Connie Johnson. The two began dating, but after they graduated from Muskegon High in 1943, at the peak of World War II, Connie enlisted in the Army and was soon shipped off to Europe. Mildred attended Muskegon Community College for a year, before heading off to Rock Island, Illinois, to attend the college where her dad once taught, Augustana. She was an excellent student there, and earned her teaching degree in just two years, graduating in 1946. Diploma in hand, Mildred spent some time teaching high school in Durant, Iowa, before returning to Muskegon. Connie also returned to Muskegon, after his duty was complete, and the young couple picked up right where they left off. It wasnt long before they had fallen in love all over again, and they were married on June 20, 1947, at (naturally) Samuel Lutheran Church, the beginning of so many happy years together. Mildred began her long, illustrious career as an educator, teaching at Angell Junior High School in Muskegon, where she would remain the whole of her career. Of course, she wasnt content to stop there. She also continued her own education, with postgraduate study at Western Michigan University, a place that greatly impacted her life, and one where she would return the favor. Mildred was a very intelligent, articulate woman, and never afraid to stand up, to speak out, and to make a difference in the lives of others. She became very active in the Muskegon community and elsewhere, and served on an impressive medley of boards and committees over the years. Mildred became the first woman president of the Muskegon YFCA, president of the Muskegon County Historical Society (and authored several books about the Lakeside and Pinchtown neighborhoods), and was very active at Samuel Lutheran Church, too. She served as a Sunday School teacher, church pianist, and belonged to the Lutheran Church Womens group. She also became President of the Muskegon Branch and later the State of Michigan American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was also named to the Board of Trustees at Western Michigan University, where she served from 1964 to 1982, and was awarded the title of Trustee Emeritus. To honor her dedicated service, the college later established a $25,000 scholarship in Mildreds name. Mildred also served on the Governors Blue Ribbon Committee for Higher Education, serving three different Governors during that span. Mildred was also a staunch supporter and advocate of womens causes and education throughout her lifetime, and served on many of those committees over the years. She was President of the former Coordinating Council of Women's Clubs of Muskegon County, and was one of the first two members of the Governors Commission on the Status of Women. Of course, Mildreds contributions werent always made up of grand gestures. She made a difference in the daily lives of countless kids over the years, through her long and dedicated teaching career. She also made a difference at her church, always praising what she enjoyed, and offering suggestions on what could be improved. In the 1980s, Mildred and Connie became members of the Central United Methodist Church, and naturally became very involved there, where Mildred served on several boards and the United Methodist Women. After they retired, Mildred and her beloved Connie enjoyed spending more time together, and were such a wonderful couple. They also enjoyed spending time with their extended family, and Mildred was very close to her brothers and their families, her nieces and nephews. Eventually, though, their years progressed and their health began to decline. Mildreds beloved husband sadly died in 2001, which was a difficult loss for her, after so many years together. She continued to live independently the rest of her days, ever the strong, vibrant woman she was. Sadly, Mildred died on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at the age of 83. Mildred was a remarkable woman, who lived a remarkable life, a life devoted to learning, to teaching, and to helping. She was an intelligent, vibrant lady, who was never afraid to stand up, to speak out, or to reach out, helping all those around her. Today her lessons, and her life, lives on in all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Mildred is survived by her brother, Paul (Cordelia) Swanson of IN; several nieces & nephews; sister-in-law, Orma Jean Swanson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad & brother, Eugene Swanson. Services are scheduled for Friday, July 25 2008 at 2:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church with Chaplain Jan Johnson officiating. Interment at Central United Methodist Church Columbarium. Memorial donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church. 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