Marilyn Johnson

Funeral services for Marilyn Gwyne Johnson, 78, of Georgetown, formerly of Temple, will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, October 3, 2016 at the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home Chapel in Temple. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

She passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at her home in Georgetown.

Marilyn was born May 23, 1938 in Temple to the late Sherman and Ruby (Dodd) Johnson. She moved to Dallas at the age of 18. She retired from the Dallas Morning News where she was Secretary of the City Desk and a freelance writer.

When she was in High School she wrote for her school newspaper the "Wildcat Rambler" and won first place in an essay contest. Before her death, she published her first book "Bobbie Jean McSheen the Barbecue Queen, Her Quest for Love and What She Found Instead." She was a member of Heights Baptist Church in Temple and later First Baptist Church in Georgetown.

Marilyn, Mom, Myrt, Mandy was sweet, witty, funny, loving, caring, intuitive, humble, compassionate and a fighter who never gave up. She never had much but wanted to give to everyone - loved ones, friends and strangers, and was always willing to sacrifice much for others. She made everyone feel special and always encouraged everyone to go after their dreams, supporting them in everything they did. She loved being with family and friends, playing games, singing old hymns and listening to music, telling stories, eating good food and watching the Rangers and the food channel. Even with all the medical issues she had and all the things she had to overcome over the years she never lost her spirit and perseverance, her sense of humor, or her faith.

She had many, many amazing lifelong friends from every stage of her life and every place she lived and was an amazing friend to many. She did not like the term "'just' a friend"! Her close friends, too many to name, included famous friends and friends with famous connections such as Willie Nelson (who called her at home one time to check on her after her brain tumor), Marie Fator (mother of Terry Fator), Lulu Roman (Hee Haw), Irene Williams (sister of Hank Williams) and many other writers and Country singers.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathie Chase.

Survivors include her daughter, Cristie Montgomery of Georgetown and son-in-law Mike; her son, Clayton Chase of Austin and daughter-in-law Cathy; her sister Carolyn Morris of Dickinson and brother-in-law J Helms; and, 12 grandchildren and spouses: Bradly Montgomery of Austin and wife Shelley, Christopher Montgomery of Hutto and wife Olivia, Melissa Montgomery Cavanaugh of Stamford, Connecticut and husband Will, Amanda Montgomery of Georgetown, Samantha Montgomery of Georgetown, Elise Jackson of Taylor, Teresa Ulcak of Austin, Andrew Ulcak of Austin, and Caren Ulcak of Austin.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the funeral home.




Rebeckah Coming for to Carry Me Home

Knock. Knock
"Who's There?"
"Angel."
"Angel Who?"
Angel of Death."
Silence. "Come on in. I've been expecting you."
Door opens. "But are you glad to see me?"
"I guess so. But I didn't expect you'd be so beautiful."
"What did you expect? I'd look like that ugly Grim Reaper?"
"I was hoping not like him."
"What's your name?"
"Rebeckah."
"Are you coming for to carry me home?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Will I see Jesus?"
"He's waiting."
"Will I walk them golden streets?"
"Yes again."
"And my feet won't hurt?"
"Yep. Your feet won't hurt."
"So, what's the holdup, Rebeckah, let's get going."
Rebeckah's golden wings wrapped her in a hug with a warmth and tenderness, like she had never felt before in her life.
WHOOSH!!!!!!

By Marilyn Gwyne Johnson

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Sunday, October 2, 2016
5 - 7 p.m.

Service

Funeral

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 West Barton Avenue
Temple, TX  76501
Monday, October 3, 2016
11:30 a.m.

Cemetery

Hillcrest Cemetery
1873 N. 1st Street
Temple, TX  76501