Mary Gardner Johnson
September 07, 2011
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Service Details
Mary Johnson, age 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, due to complications associated with congestive heart failure. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2011, at Union Park Presbyterian Church, 1307 Thompson Avenue in Des Moines. Burial will take place at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Mary was born on July 19, 1918, in Burnsville, North Carolina, to William and Margaret Gardner. Most of her childhood was in Columbia, SC with summers spent with a beloved aunt in the mountains. She married Quentin Seese Johnson December 6, 1941.
Finishing a degree at University of South Carolina, Mary pursued additional pathology certification in Lincoln, NE. This led to a career as a medical technologist. During World War II, she trained soldiers at Ft. Jackson in how to run screenings and lab panels. After the war, Mary and Quentin moved to Northern Virginia. In 1960, after years of running labs for Dr. Arthur Mitchell, she retired.
Mary moved to Iowa in October, 1993. She enjoyed traveling with her local garden club. She became known for her ever-constant smile and peaceful presence. As a reflection of her spiritual devotion to God, Mary actively participated in her church, fellowship groups and reading her Bible.
Mary is survived by her loving children, Karen "Kay" Brown and Mark Johnson; her grandson, Stephen (Melissa) Brunia-Brown; her granddaughter, Emily Brown; her niece, Margaret (Norm) Kressmann; and other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Quentin "Q" Johnson; brothers William and Alvin Gardner; and son-in-law, Jim Brown.
Memorial contributions may be given to Union Park Presbyterian Church, or Calvin Community's Good Samaritan Fund, in lieu of flowers. Hamilton's Funeral Home (Lyon Street) is handling arrangements.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ann Gardner
09/11/2011
As Mary's niece, I was priviledged to grow up as part of her extended family in Northern Virginia. She was a tower of faith and of strength through all the years of my childhood. Her love and strength made life for all of us so much better. It is hard for me to imagine how our lives would have been without her. With her passing, a great light has gone out of this world. She has been called home to the Lord who must have joyfully greeted her as His "good and faithful servant." Aunt MayMay's faith shone in every part of her life and was a beacon to us all. Although she is gone, her goodness and grace will continue to shine in all the lives she has touched. We will never see her like again, but we will always be the better for having known her.
Keith and Loretta Greiner
09/10/2011
Dear Kay, Mark, Steve, Melissa and Emily:
So sorry to hear about your mom and grandma. She was a winner. Always so interested in everyone and such a mother to all. She will continue to be your support but now as a new saint to pray to in heaven.
Hugs and Love
Keith and Loretta and family