Margaret Johnson

Margaret Ruth Johnson, 91, passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at Applingwood Healthcare Center in Cordova, Tennessee.

She was born July 21, 1923, in Chaffee, Missouri, to Albert Lewis and Clara Jean Shrum Bailey.

Margaret graduated from Chaffee High School in 1941 and graduated as a registered nurse from Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1944. She worked in public health until 1947, when she started a family with her first husband, who would join the U.S. Air Force. During the next 28 years, she had four children and traveled the world.

She volunteered many hours for the Family Services Division while in the Air Force. In 1973, she moved to Memphis and started working for Chest Hospital and Veterans Administration until she met her second husband. They were married in 1977 and enjoyed many years of fun, laughter and love until his passing in 2004. During that time, she also did some private-duty nursing for family and close friends. She was a member of Eastern Star more than 50 years.

Survivors include three daughters, Cheryl Heinzle of Washington and Beth Brandon and Kristin Hopper of Missouri; a sister, Muriel Robb; and a brother, Richard Bailey, both of Memphis; a niece, Melinda Buchanan; two nephews, Jimmy Thomas and Richard Bailey; two grandchildren, Tina Pommier and Marji Heinzle; three great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Tyler and Joe; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Clifford Brandon and Eugene Johnson; a son, Kevin Brandon; and a grandson, Robin Heinzle.

The funeral was Nov. 14 at Memphis Funeral Home. Burial was in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

Contributions may be offered to the Parkinsons Research Foundation in her name. Online condolences and floral expressions may be sent through memphisfuneralhome.net.