Naomi Johnson

Although her life was filled with countless experiences that enriched her lifes journey, there was nothing that was of greater importance to Naomi Johnson than spending time with the ones she loved. She was a sports fanatic if ever there was one, and she loved sharing this passion with her sister. A devoted wife and loving mother, Naomi lived to care for her family that later grew to include the three grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. She lived life to the fullest each day and had a special way of making others feel at ease. Naomi will be deeply missed, but her memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all who were blessed to feel her touch. During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young men and women were serving in WWII. Back home industry shifted to producing things needed to support the war effort, rationing was enforced on numerous everyday items, and victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nations food supply. It was during this eventful time that a bustling family from Walkerville, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on June 5, 1944. Naomi Ileene was the seventh of eight children born to her parents, Harry and Anna May (Champlin) McKenzie, and was raised on the family farm alongside her brother, Ken, and her sisters, Ramona, Ruth, Donna, Darlene, Norma, and Carol. Her father worked as a fruit farmer while her mother was a schoolteacher. In many ways Naomi experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of her generation. Living on the farm meant that she helped pick cherries in the summer. Naomi attended Walkerville Schools and played on the girls softball team in high school. After graduating from high school she went to Peggy White School of Beauty to become a hairdresser, however, after completing school she decided that this was not a good fit for her career. New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Naomi when she met the man she had always dreamed of. He was a young man from Ravenna named James Johnson, and they met on a blind date. Farming was something they had in common as he also worked on his family farm. After dating for a couple of years Naomi and Jim became husband and wife on July 30, 1966, in Walkerville. The newlyweds initially settled into a mobile home on the property next door to Jims parents in Ravenna, and in 1971 they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, into their hearts and home. Naomi had excellent cooking skills, which was something that her family certainly appreciated, and Jennifer was particularly fond of her meatloaf. In 1979 the family moved to their new home on Trent Road in Ravenna where Naomi remained for the rest of her life. Vacations were a rarity, but when Jennifer was part of the Maycroft Square Tappers the family traveled around to her events and performances. The family also looked forward to family reunions for both Naomis family and Jims family. Throughout her life Naomi was one to work hard. In addition to raising her daughter, she worked second shift as a mold setter at the Muskegon plant of Howmet/Misco. Naomi eventually went to work at the Howmet plant in Whitehall as a mold setter for jet engine turbine parts. After years of smoking and being exposed to harmful chemicals at work, Naomi developed health issues that caused her to retire after more than 30 years of service. In her time away from work Naomi enjoyed pursuing her interests. She was a bit of a sports fanatic, especially when it came to the Detroit Tigers. In fact, she even kept a cowbell next to her chair to cheer on her favorite team! Naomi frequently called her sister to discuss various games or to argue over which players and teams were better. She also kept her own statistics book on all the players. Additionally, it was not uncommon for Naomi to cut other events short so that she would be home in time for the first pitch. She also liked following the Detroit Pistons and keeping up with the Ravenna High School football team. A devoted fan, Naomi went on road trips to the Upper Peninsula for playoff games and to the Silverdome for championship games. Naomi did enjoy other things aside from sports as she also was quite creative as she was into doing various crafts and enjoyed crocheting pot holders and towels. She absolutely loved the Christmas season and loved dressing up her house for the holiday as she had special linens, curtains, china, and other decorations that made her home so festive. Naomi was also a longtime member of both the Union Buyers Club and the Retiree Group of Misco. Later in life Naomi experienced both peaks and valleys along her journey. Her health eventually required her to use oxygen on a daily basis, and although she needed more care she was blessed that Jim was able to give her what she needed in their home. Together Naomi and her husband enjoyed camping in the summer for years in addition to spending as much time as they could with Jennifer and their grandchildren. When they were able to travel they also took a few trips out West and down South to visit friends and relatives. Naomi also enjoyed getting together with fellow retirees from work on a monthly basis. She was deeply saddened when Jim developed cancer and died in 2010. Naomi was able to continue living on her own with the help of friend and family. Eventually her heart and lungs became overwhelmed, and she drew her last breath. With unending love for her family and friends, Naomi Johnson was a blessing to those around her. She was thoughtful and kindhearted, gracious and loving. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Naomi created a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by those she leaves behind. Naomi I. Johnson died on Thursday, April 3, 2014. Naomis family includes her daughter, Jennifer (Paul) Wakefield of Muskegon; grandchildren, Daniel, Andrew, and Laraina; sisters, Darlene (William) Askins of Hart, Carol (Tom) Sibley of Walkerville; special niece, Gwen Muma; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Diana Sieting. Naomi was preceded in death by her husband, James in 2010; siblings, Ken, Ramona, Ruth, Donna, and Norma. Services will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2014, 12:00 Noon at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Mark Nieuwsma officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Visit with Naomis family and friends Saturday, 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.