Alice Johnson

Steadfast, faith-filled, and sensitive, Alice Johnson was a blessing to all who were within her reach. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be deeply missed.

It was during the dark days of the Great Depression of the 1930s that Leo and Alice (Bengtson) Baker announced the birth of their daughter, Alice, on February 25, 1931. Her father drove a truck while her mother was a busy homemaker. When she was two, Alice moved with her family to Mancelona, Michigan, where she attended local schools.

After graduating from high school in 1949, Alice entered the nursing program at Grand Rapids Junior College, earning her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree, LPN. She then worked at Butterworth Hospital and later at St. Mary's Hospital until 1953 when she married.

The love of her life was a man named Louis Johnson whom she had known since the second grade. They began dating in the 11th grade, and their dating relationship continued for the five years that followed. Deeply in love, they were married on June 20, 1953, at Mancelona Methodist Church, followed by a honeymoon in the Upper Peninsula. Just one month later, Louis was called into the US Army. He was stationed in Maryland and later at Ft. Hood, Texas. Together they were blessed with four children; Michael, Linda, David, and Mark, whom they raised in the family home in Standale. They were members of Valley Avenue Church, which later became Faith United Methodist Church where Alice was actively involved. Alice also volunteered at North End Ministries for 20 years.

Alice was one to keep busy. She was an avid bird watcher who also enjoyed listening to music from the Gaither family including watching them perform on television. When it came to reading, Alice loved Erma Bombeck and books from the Chicken Soup series in addition to other inspirational reading. Some of her favorite television shows were Deal or No Deal, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. Even after moving to Sunset Hills Retirement Community three years ago, Alice kept busy and made several new friends. As someone who was expressive and loving, she regularly wrote letters to family and friends.

A loving wife, devoted mother, and loyal friend, Alice Johnson was first and foremost a servant of her Lord and Savior. She was thoughtful, kindhearted, and honest as well as a prayer warrior whose strength, peace, and joy was found in the beliefs that were engraved upon her heart. Alice will be forever remembered.

Alice E. Johnson passed into glory on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the age of 84. She was born to Alice and Leo Baker who have predeceased her. Alice is survived by her husband of 62 years, Louis E. Johnson; her children, Michael Johnson, Linda (David) Pelletier, David (Amy) Johnson, Mark (Sally) Johnson; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Sandra Gippert; and two nephews. Services for Alice will be held at the Heritage Life Story Funeral home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Friday, 11:00 AM, March 13, 2015 with Rev. Mark Thompson officiating and where friends may meet with her family on Thursday from 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Faith United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. To share a favorite memory of Alice and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.