Martha E. Johnson, 86, passed away 12:30 a.m., May 4, 2012 at James River Care Center. She was born September 6, 1925 in Springfield, MO to George and Lena Johnson. Martha graduated from Central High School in Springfield, MO. She was known for her home runs with the baseball team. Martha was baptized at a young age and later became a member of Kingsway Free Will Baptist Church. Martha married Herman Johnson on October 31, 1942. Together they had 8 children, and at the time of her death, 25 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She worked alongside her husband in the family restaurant and was best known for her pastries and pies with meringue a mile high. She also enjoyed crocheting afghans and making other crafts for her family.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years; a sister, Lucile Johnson; and a granddaughter, Lori North. She is survived by 8 children, Diana and Ray Haslip of Springfield, Linda Lou Purdy of Willard, Suzy Mayfield of Sparta, Mary and Ronnie Shisler of Independence, Mike and Shirley Johnson of Long Lane, David and June Johnson of Clever, Danny and Sue Johnson of Springfield, and Kathy and Donald Brite of Fair Grove.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO with Bro. Gene Terry officiating. Burial will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Compassus. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.