Margery Johnson

Long-time area resident Margery Alice Smith Johnson died October 24, 2012, at Cass County Memorial Hospital.

Margery was born December 15, 1925, to Arthur Allen and Effie Byrne Smith in East Lansing, Michigan. She grew up on her parents farm West of Lewis. After graduating from Lewis High School, she received her teaching certificate from Drake University and taught at Dallas Center. Margery married Marion Dwight Johnson on September 14, 1947, at her parents home. They spent most of their married life of 57 years on a dairy farm North of Lewis. Margery and Marion were parents to five children.

Margery was devoted to her children. She raised them to be confident individuals who have a deep faith in God and high values. She was proud of all her children, seven grandchildren, and 2 great-grandsons. Encouraging each of them to always full fill dreams and goals, using their talents and intellect, was constant in her life. Margery was outstanding as a Mother and she dearly loved each of her children very much! She was proud that she could provide child care to some of her grandchildren for years. This was like a full time job to her.

Family has always been important to Margery. She enjoyed sharing in the lives of the Smith and Johnson Families. She and Marion enjoyed hosting the family members in their home where she was known for her outstanding cooking. She was also encouraging of all the extended family and always wanted everyone to appreciate their heritage and respect family.


Margery was well known for her love of life. She was kind and considerate to others and had a contagious laugh. Being a Democrat is something she was always proud of through the years. She was also an advocate for women and a lover of nature.

Friendship was truly important to Margery. She loved people and enjoyed special times when she could share good conversation. Margery was fiercely loyal and became a good friend to others.


Her many talents have been shared through the community. Music was always an integral part of her life with Marion and the children. Serving as an organist/pianist at various churches, and as an accompanist throughout the years in a multitude of organizations was something she enjoyed.

Photography was more than a hobby as she became well known for her photos submitted to the Iowa State Fair and as she shared group photos from organizations for publicity in the local newspaper.

Margery is survived by her children, Susan (Dana) Hockensmith of St. Louis, Missouri: Dwight (Julie Livingston) Johnson, Omaha, Nebraska; son-in-law, Mark Jespersen of Atlantic, Iowa; Timothy Johnson of Atlantic, Iowa; Nancy (Alan) Reimer of Atlantic, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.

Her granddaughters are Angela (John) Gantzer of San Antonio; Texas; Laura Hockensmith of St. Louis, MO; Lindsay (Geoffrey) Landgraf of Bend, Oregon; Heidi Reimer of Atlantic, Iowa; Alicyn Reimer of Iowa City, Iowa; and Hannah Jespersen of Atlantic, Iowa.

Her two great-grandsons are Noah and Luke Gantzer of San Antonio, Texas.


She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Johnson; daughter, Sarah Jespersen; grandson, Philip Hockensmith; a brother, James (Marilyn) Smith; and two sisters, Marian (George) Moser and Barbara (Robert) Harrington.

Visitation with family will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2012, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa. Burial of ashes will be private in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the United Church of Christ in Atlantic.

Hockenberry Family Care is in charge of the arrangements.