FRANKLIN COUNTY – Mary Lou Johnson (Moore) passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 89.
She was born June 27, 1936, in Akin, Illinois, the youngest of 11 siblings to Elijay and Anna Moore.
She attended Benton High School, where she met and later married her husband, Marvin G. Johnson. They were married on June 6, 1954, and remained together until his passing in 2001.
During her life, Mary held various jobs, including original A&W carhop, White Castle cook, and carpet installer for Mark Twain boats. Her true calling came as a nurse’s aide, working at various nursing homes in Benton.
She was the mother of three children: Raymond (Mike), Danny, and Kim. Mike preceded her in death in 2023. She took great joy in family—not just her kids and grandkids, but all of her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. She would spend hours each day keeping in touch with them.
She also never met a stranger. She could go into a department store or grocery store and spend several minutes speaking with someone she had never met before. It seemed like they were long-lost friends.
She was always joyous. Watching her perform daily tasks like cooking or cleaning, she would always be humming or singing. Doris Day was one of her favorites. She would be doing dishes, looking out the window, singing the words she knew and humming the rest.
She is survived by her son, Danny, and his wife, Donna; daughter, Kim; six grandkids; and six great-grandkids. She will always be loved and missed.
Visitation is scheduled at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton on Saturday, July 26. Viewing will be from 10–11 a.m., followed by graveside services at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
