Mary Smith Johnson

Mary Smith Johnson, age 108, of Monmouth; passed away at 4:30 PM on Monday, September 12, 2016 at Monmouth Nursing Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Mary was born on May 31, 1908 in Kirkwood, IL. and is the daughter of Willis and Sarah Jane (Ray) Smith. She is the youngest of ten children and was raised in Kirkwood and graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1926. She graduated from Monmouth College and received a Masters Degree in Education from Western Illinois University. On February 14, 1931 she married Raymond C. Johnson and he preceded her in death on May 18, 1981. For nine years, she taught in one-room country schools, then at Kirkwood Grade School. She was the principal of Yorkwood Grade School for seventeen years, then taught for two years at Monmouth College in the Education Department. Mary was a consultant on two editions of the Hay-Wingo Phonics Textbook. For six summers she taught phonics workshops at Monmouth College besides teaching phonics at Carthage College and West Alis in Kanosha, Wisconsin; Lenox Massachusetts; and at Rugaland College in Bergen, Norway. Mary is a member of the National Illinois Association of Retired Teachers, American Association of University Women; member of Faith United Presbyterian Church; PEO-Chapter T; and the Monmouth College Crimson Clan. She also was a member of Order of the Eastern Star.

　

Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Sarah and Henry Sullivan of Chicago, Illinois; two sons, Dr. Stanley and Maureen Kilkenny-Johnson of Reno, Nevada and Dr. Stephen and Cheryl Johnson of Monmouth, Illinois. There are 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Her parents, husband, seven brothers and two sisters have preceded her in her death.

　

A funeral service is planned for 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Her family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Center Grove Cemetery. Memorials are being established for the Monmouth College Educational Department or Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.