Marvel Janet Johnson's Obituary
Marvel Taylor Johnson was born on January 3, 1922 to Mabel and James Roy Taylor in Burley ID. She joined her older brothers Ken and Lowell on the farm that her parents had homesteaded.
She never learned to ride a bike, but rode her horse to school instead. After high school graduation she earned a Teaching Certificate and taught first grade. At that time High School and college friends were enlisting in the services. In 1943 Marvel moved to Kansas City, KS where she aided the war effort by working in an aircraft factory that made B-25 bombers. The factory closed at war’s end. Needing a new career she became a dental assistant. Lucky for us all, her future husband, Hiram W. Johnson needed a dentist. They married in April of 1946. Dad rejoined the service and together they moved all over the U.S. as well as tours of duty in Germany, Austria and Morocco. Along the way they had 5 kids. Jan was first, followed by Rick, twins Pat and Dave and lastly, Steve.
Mom always had a dog. She fearlessly raised puppies, adopted strays and trained them all to be good canine citizens. She used to say that our pets raised us. With 5 kids underfoot, she needed the help.
Marvel loved nothing better than family get-togethers. Holidays were the highlight of her year, Thanksgiving was her favorite, great food and no gifts! If there were only 3 pies it was a small celebration; Thanksgiving and Christmas required 4 pies and a cake. We all got special attention on birthdays, but she loved spoiling her grandkids the best. They got cake, balloons and an honored place at the big family table.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Kenneth and Lowell Tayor, husband Hiram Johnson, daughter Janet Johnson Pierce and son Richard W. Johnson. She is survived by her children David M. Johnson his wife Gloria, Patricia Johnson Marks her husband T.J. and Steven T. Johnson and his wife Dana. Marvel also had 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who will miss her loving spirit.
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