Mary Lou Johnson

On October 30, 2023 after a long, beautiful and resilient life of friendship and family, Mary Lou Johnson, 95, of East Lansing, accepted her invitation into God’s eternal presence.

Mary Lou was born in Lansing, MI in 1928 to Earnest Irwin and Joyce Henning. Mary Lou graduated from East Lansing High School in 1946, just in time to marry her high school sweetheart - returning WWII veteran Merlin Johnson, to whom she remained married for over 66 years, until his death in 2014.

Mary Lou and Merlin raised their four boys in Southfield, MI, where Mary Lou actively participated in community, civic and social life. She was an excellent cook. Having taught her children and grandchildren, she has left behind a legacy of many recipes and flavors that her family still enjoys weekly.

In retirement, the Johnsons moved home to the Lansing area. They enjoyed life with their grandkids both near and far, and wintered in Venice, FL. Grandma Mary Lou was always ready with a good craft project, teaching several of her grandchildren to sew, or a shopping trip, where she outfitted her loved ones with as much style as herself. Mary Lou’s family was the delight of her life. She diligently sacrificed much for her 4 sons, never complaining, and faithfully supported her 8 grandchildren (and later 8 great-grandchildren), whether near or far, throughout all of the kids’ early years.

As a friend, Mary Lou was known for frequent letter writing, phone calls, visits, and bridge games. She loved spending time with people, and was known for her spirited, clever, and sometimes surprisingly cheeky personality. Grandma Mary Lou carried herself with tremendous dignity and class, maintaining hopefulness and positivity even in some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Her bright and subtle sense of humor could enliven and comfort on any dull day.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Merlin, two sons Martin and Merlin Douglas, and grandson Michael Johnson, along with many other dear family members and friends. She is survived by her sons Ron Johnson and Karl (Ann) Johnson, with grandchildren Erika Beehler (Robbie), and great grandchildren Lily, Josiah, and Hezekiah Beehler, granddaughters Jennifer Bingham (Dennis), and Melissa Johnson, daughter-in-law Alice Johnson, with grandchildren Daniel Johnson (Crystal), and great grandchildren Alexis and Finley, Mary Mason (Wayne), with great grandchildren Evelyn, Caroline, and Henry, as well as granddaughters Riley Johnson and Kelsey Banes, along with close friends of the family, Pat Leyser and Katy Lawson, whom she considered family.

Memorial service will be held at The People’s Church on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation at 10 AM, and a short reception following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Johnson family.