Marilyn Christina Johnson, 89, of Galesburg, IL, formerly of Alexis, IL, passed away at 3:55 a.m. Sunday, January 8, 2023, in the Allure of Lake Storey Nursing Home, Galesburg. She was born May 17, 1933 in Mercer County, the daughter of Alvin Edward and Ava (Higginson) Axcell. She was raised and educated in the Alexis area graduating from Alexis High School in 1951. She later attended Western Illinois University. She married Charles H. Johnson on July 2, 1955 at the North Henderson United Methodist Church and he preceded her in death on January 16, 2017.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Julie (Tammy Swick) Johnson of Woodbury, MN and Cathy (David) Loomis of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Joshua (Mia) Loomis of Knoxville, TN and Justine Loomis of Birmingham; siblings, John (Sandy) Axcell of Monmouth, IL, Martha Flesher of Westminster, CO, Donald (Patty) Axcell of Galesburg. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one sister Mary O’Brien.
Marilyn worked as a secretary for Gamble & Skogmo from 1952-1962. After the birth of her first daughter she became a homemaker. She was a member of the North Henderson United Methodist Church where she had served on many committees over the years. She taught children’s Sunday School and played the piano at both the Alexis and North Henderson churches. She was a member of the Alexis Jr. Women’s Club and the Alexis Women’s Club. She was a charter member of the Kelly Patches and Pans group. She was also a member of the Lion’s Club, Red Hat Society, chaperoned the Rotary foreign exchange groups and volunteered in the Cottage Hospital gift shop for many years. She was always very active in her children’s extra-curricular activities, driving to many band and show choir competitions to show her support.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in the Alexis Cemetery, Alexis, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Western Illinois Animal Rescue; 300 W. Harlem Avenue, Ste 5, Monmouth, IL 61462. Wise Family Funeral Home-Alexis is handling the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com.
