Margery Johnston

(From Parker Mortuary)

Margery Annette Johnston, age 81, Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin.

Margery was born September 1st, 1941 in Joplin, Missouri, to the union of Neil and Lenore (Underwood) George. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1959. 

She met Ralph Michael Johnston in September 1963 and shortly after they married. Together they were blessed with 44 years before his passing June 20th, 2008. 

Margery worked at JC Penney, “Kitty Campus," a daycare at First Baptist Church of Carl Junction, Miller’s Manufacturing, and Walmart. She enjoyed baking, dancing, sewing, and being with her grandchildren. 

For Christmas, she made her daughters clothing for their barbies and outfits for Ken. She sewed together sweaters for all four children to stay warm and boy did they stay warm in those sweaters. She danced from a young age all the way through high school. 

Later on, she taught dancing lessons at a studio. Margery sewed together stuffed animals for her children on Valentine’s Day and one day she even sewed together a huge foot to replicate Big Foot. She baked 3 different batches of cookies every Friday for her children to have over the weekend. She was a part of the club “4H”, which consisted of women that got together to sew and crochet. 

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Carl Junction. Her children were a part of the church choir and it was not uncommon to find Margery sewing together dresses for them and the other kids in the choir. She was an amazing mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents and husband, Margery was preceded in death by her son-in-law’s; John Cates and Dave Coulston; sister-in-law, Sherry George; and one grandchild, Jim Cramer.

Margery is survived by her four children, Tammy Cates, Tracy and husband, Jim Cramer, Michelle Coulston, and Mike and wife, Lisa Johnston; nine grandchildren, Hope Cates, Joshua Coulston, Hannah Clemons, Faith Cates, Caleb and wife, Petra Johnston, Matthew and wife, Dakota Coulston, Isaac and wife, Maycee Johnston, Zach Coulston, and Claudia Johnston; four great-grandchildren, Bayliegh Cramer, Kaydynce Cramer, Talia Clemons, and Hadi Clemons; and two brothers, Neil George, and Warner and wife, Jeanne George.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made out to the American Cancer Society – Liver Cancer.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with pastor Ben Johnson officiating. Interment to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

There will be a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel.

Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.