George Ann Johnson

George Ann Johnson, 87, of Marion, went to be with her Lord Jesus in Heaven at 10:50 PM, Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. She was still very warm when her son spoke to her after she was transferred to Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Her eyes were not fixed and dilated, and she had a faint carotid pulse. Her son got to tell her he loved her and then she grew cold. George Ann was born First Fruits of the Great I Am on June 27, 1930 in Marion to Elmer and Minerva (Norman) Stapleton. She was the Marion High School Carnival Queen in 1948 and still holds today that reigning title. She married Dr. George Edward Johnson in Murphysboro in 1951. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1997. She was the only daughter of her mother, an only child. She was a precious spirit filled Christian and very seldom had a bad word to say about anyone. She was as perfect a mother as a mother could be. George Ann was an active member of the Family Worship Center in Johnston City. She was given the key to the City of Marion and was a member of Delta Sigma Epsilon in her early adult life; she had been involved with numerous prayer groups. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. Survivors include- Son- Jim Johnson of Marion Daughter- Grace Jean Schweizer and husband Brian of Georgia Daughter- Georgette Johnson and husband Bill Snell of Jackson, MO Grandchildren- Brad Schweizer of Atlanta Brett Schweizer of Kansas City, MO She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She was the greatest mother and housewife. She had worked for CIPS, F.W. Woolworth, Value Plus Pharmacy, and Lad and Lassie as a saleslady, all in Marion. She was the conservative Democratic precinct committee woman in Marion and was in an automobile following John F. Kennedy and RFK when they drove around the square in 1960. Due to her Christianity she changed political parties later in life. You would find mom and myself sitting out on warm sunny days in the gazebo off the front porch drinking coffee. Mom loved to shop and go out to eat. She had a ministry of giving, usually her own clothing. She always gave more than she got back. Many times was taken advantage of. Nothing seemed to bother her much, easygoing. She would however get her feelings hurt because of close friends not living up to her expectations. Mom was the most well-rounded beautiful person you would ever know. Her father, husband and son weren’t always the nicest people. She had a fairly hard time growing up in the Great Depression. Mom was a very moral, spirit-filled Christian woman and had only one spouse. She had a strong value system of right and wrong. She was Precious, Precious, Precious. She loved to read books, watch Turner Classic Movies, the news, and Christian TV. Mom had a strong desire for someone that never manifested in her life. This hurts me the most, her desiderata. If I could have only done more for her, especially at the hospital. Too many people have failed her. I told her last month I took her for granted in my youth, and apologized. She understood. She loved her Lord Jesus. You just don’t know what you have till it’s gone. I’m her one and only first born son. She has always been my best friend. Dr. Jack Keller use to say to her, “You’re a tough old bird”. She just spent over 3 months in Heartland Regional Medical Center. She indicated to me and her doctors she did not want to die. And, I can’t understand why she’s not here with us now. It’s all so unbelievable. Words alone cannot express my sorrow. She was and is the sweetest person I will ever know. We were committed to each other’s needs and cares. Now she is returned to her Creator, Yahweh, the Great I Am, That I Am. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, April 16, 2018 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Rev. Charles Jennings and Rev. Don Colson will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.