Marlys Kay Johnson's Obituary
Marlys (Marcy) Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died on July 28th after suffering from a broken hip and a long battle with dementia. She is with Jesus and many loved ones who have gone before her, including her husband, Frank Johnson, and her parents, Cora and Cecil Clark, all three of whom she remembered with joy even as other memories grew dim.
Marcy was born in Salem, Oregon, and although she was an only child, she relished her close relationships with her Severson cousins, aunts and uncles. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound after attending both Pacific Lutheran University and the Lutheran Bible Institute. She and Frank met at Mount Rainier, where they both had summer jobs, and they married and settled in Tacoma, Washington.
Marcy’s focus for many years was on raising her kids, Kevin, Jill and Jeff. However, she was deeply affected by her mother’s suffering from stomach cancer. Marcy then determined to bring light and comfort to those suffering, so she completed a Clinical Pastoral Education course and began work as a hospital chaplain. Marcy’s life was characterized by deep friendships, care for others, and enduring faith. Her favorite color was pink, which seemed to suit the hopeful way she lived. Being a grandma was a source of constant joy for Marcy during the last 30 years of her life, and her grandchildren were blessed by her creativity and unconditional love.
Later in life, Marcy and Frank shared a mutual enjoyment of devoted long-term friendships, traveling, square dancing, and time spent at their beloved church home, University Place Presbyterian Church. They also loved the movie The Sound of Music. One line from the movie, “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window,” beautifully reflects the way Marcy lived. Her life was rooted in quiet trust that God was leading, even in uncertain times. As her loved ones say “goodbye,” they take comfort in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
After Frank passed away in 2017, Marcy’s dementia worsened gradually. As her challenges increased, her family watched with gratitude as Marcy’s devoted relatives and friends stayed close even as her memory faded. Now, she is restored.
Marcy is survived by her three children Kevin Johnson (Tracie), Jill Gardner (Doug), Jeff Johnson (Malathy); as well as 11 grandchildren/step grandchildren, Jordan McKay (Bryce), Emily Gurney (Cleve), Curtis McClellan (Savana), Sarah Johnson, Kelly McClellan, Elliot Gardner (Kayla), Bryson Gardner, Anisha (AJ) Johnson, Animesh Johnson, Jessica Gardner, Kyle Clift; and her first great grandchild, Miles Gurney.
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