She was born to O.A. and Irma Arnold McArthur in Detroit, MI, in 1918. She excelled in academics and entered the University of Michigan at the age of 16. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and graduated with a degree in education. She married Cecil M. Johnson (Mel) in 1940 and together they raised their beloved daughter, Tami.
Rosemary and Mel were dedicated to and actively involved in Tami’s and their granddaughters’ (Amy and Marnie) lives. They ensured that all three were well taken care of and were always there for them. Their love, dedication, presence, patience and guidance are greatly appreciated and will be forever missed.
Rosemary was a voracious reader and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with others. She was progressive in her thoughts and championed equality for all. She supported many causes, especially those that helped children and animals. She cherished her family and friends and was always diligent in keeping in touch with them.
Rosemary was predeceased by her husband; her parents; her brother, (Bill McArthur); her sister, (Diane Bowlin); and her brother, (Andy McArthur).
She is survived by her daughter, Tami Boetch (Ray Boetch); her granddaughters, Amy Knowles Higgins (Matthew Higgins) and Marnie Knowles Elmore (Shane Elmore); her great-granddaughters, Helena Higgins and Madison Elmore; her sister-in-law, Evelyn McArthur; her brother, Grant Smith (Brenda Smith); and her nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Thelma Bell, Susan Rogers and Margaret Hall for their wonderful and tireless care of Rosemary for the past 6 years. The family also thanks Big Bend Hospice for their assistance, comfort and in particular, their music therapy program which brightened Rosemary’s days during the last few months. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Big Bend Hospice.
Memorial services celebrating Rosemary’s life, will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at the Culley’s Meadowwood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel, Tallahasee.
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