Marlene M Johnson

Born December 24, 1940 in Pekin to Jacob and Alice Marie (Fisher) Martin, she married Donald E. Johnson, Sr. on September 16, 1961 in Pekin. He died December 29, 2004 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Donald E. “Don” Johnson, Jr. on August 10, 2019 in Pekin; one brother, Robert Martin and one sister, Dixie Bugg.

Surviving are one daughter, Becky S. Hacker of Pekin; two granddaughters, Nicole M. (Ryan) Birch and Kylie N. (Chris) Beecher, both of Morton; two great-grandchildren, Kinley Nicole Birch and Owen Ryan Birch and two sisters, Francis Scalf of Canton and Darlene Spiesz of Pekin, who was her twin. Marlene was also anxiously awaiting the birth of her third great-grandchild, Ava Nicole Beecher, expected to be born in October.

Marlene worked for Pekin Community High School District 303 in the Dragon’s Den and Cafeteria for 30 years, retiring in 2008. Along with having a strong work ethic, her faith was important to her. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church in Pekin.

Marlene was very family oriented. She was Becky’s best friend and the best “Grammy” to her granddaughter’s and their families. She especially loved to cook and feed her family. Marlene liked to garden and will be remembered as a selfless person who always put others before herself.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Mark Foglio will officiate. The family will receive friends following the funeral at the funeral home. Those attending the service are asked to respect social distancing and follow mask guidelines. Burial will be in in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com