Marilyn Beth Johnson

George, Iowa Marilyn Johnson, age 59 of George, IA died Monday, July 13, 2015 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 16th at First Baptist Church of George, IA, with Pastor Mike Hagan officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 15th from 3:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the First Baptist Church rural George, IA. Marilyn Beth Johnson was born on January 17, 1956 in Adrian, MN, the daughter of Sylvester and Elizabeth (Vust) Johnson. She grew up on a farm near Little Rock, IA and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1974. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Elementary Education in 1980 and later her Masters in Elementary Education in 1987 from Sioux Falls College. She was employed as a teacher at Little Rock Elementary for 34 years, retiring in 2014. Marilyn was an active member of the First Baptist Church, serving on various boards through the years. She accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age during Vacation Bible School. Marilyn served on the Little Rock Public Library Board for a time. She enjoyed reading, cooking and baking. Marilyn had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed hosting family gatherings, serving her famous lasagna at many meals. She was always interested in the lives of her nieces and nephews and prayed for them regularly. She had a passion and love for the children she taught and a special relationship with the teachers and staff in her building, and looked forward to Wednesday morning coffee times together. Marilyn will be greatly missed. Marilyn is survived by her four siblings: Harry (Peggy) Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, Bob (Pat) Johnson of George, IA, Lori (Don) Harberts of Rock Valley, IA and Steve (Lori) Johnson of Little Rock, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Betty Johnson.