Margery "Midge" Frances (Bruning) Johnson

Margery “Midge” Frances (Bruning) Johnson of Hoover, Alabama, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 3, 1932, in Oak Park, Illinois, to John and Agnes Bruning. After graduating from Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Midge attended Augustana College, in Rock Island, Illinois, where she earned her degree in elementary education.

While at Augustana, Midge met the love of her life, Hugh. They were married for seventy-one devoted years. Following graduation, the couple moved to North Carolina while Hugh served in the United States Marine Corps and Midge taught school. After completing his military service, they returned to Rock Island, where both continued careers as educators in the Rock Island Public School System. Midge was among the early teachers in Special Education when the program was just beginning, and she cared deeply about supporting her students and their families.

Midge and Hugh were blessed with two children, Debbie and Mike. She loved being cared for by Hugh, who devoted himself to the little things that made her days special—setting out her breakfast each morning, gently waking her, turning on and recording her favorite soap operas and serving her dessert at precisely the time she expected it each day. In retirement, they embraced their shared love of travel, exploring destinations across the globe, including China, Australia, Europe and Hawaii.

Nine years ago, Midge and Hugh chose to settle in Hoover, Alabama, so they could be closer to their daughter Debbie and her husband, Wayne. Soon after, granddaughter Jaime and her family made the move to Alabama as well, filling Midge’s life with even greater joy. Having so much of her family nearby was a priceless blessing, allowing her to be part of everyday moments and lasting memories alike. During her years in Alabama, Midge delighted in attending the Regions Golf Tournament, Mahjong and bunko.

Midge was an avid reader and also enjoyed water aerobics, playing bridge, sewing and working puzzles. She cross-stitched Christmas stockings for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very disciplined, rarely missing her daily exercise, soap operas or her two o’clock nap.

Affectionately known as “Dat Midge” to her grandchildren, she cherished every opportunity to be with them. She was a constant presence at their ballgames, performances and activities, and she delighted in supporting her great-grandchildren as well.

Midge was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hugh. She is survived by her brother, Howard Bruning; her children, Debbie (Wayne) Benson and Mike (Pam) Johnson; her grandchildren, Jaime (Gerry) Lau, Jeffrey (Jenelle) Benson, Garrett (Kelly) Thoms, Alexis Steger and Ben (Jess) Johnson; and her great-grandchildren, Madison and Payton Lau; Isabella and Adam Thoms; Zoey and Hailey Steger; and Beau, Rex and Shay Johnson.

A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:30 p.m., on Sunday February 22, 2026, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Hoover, Alabama. A private burial will take place at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama on Monday, February 23, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.