Marsha Kay Perry Johnson's Obituary
Marsha Kay Perry Johnson, our beloved mother, biggest cheerleader, and a friend to all, passed away on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, after a series of health challenges.
Daughter of Leo Neldon Perry and Melba June Colvin Perry, Marsha grew up in Orem, Utah. Her childhood was a happy one full of pranks with her brothers and sister, playing music, and going on family vacations.
She met her husband—and one true love—Dale Kent Johnson, at Orem High School. He was the star football player and state champion wrestler. As a high school sophomore, she confidently approached him at his locker (surrounded by several football players) and asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. It was all over from there, and the two dated through high school and college before marrying on August 20, 1975, in the Provo LDS Temple.
After high school, the couple attended BYU where Dale played football and earned two degrees and Marsha earned a degree in social work. She also served a mission to Southern California Spanish speaking. As a missionary, she had a lasting impact—especially on her mission companions. Marsha was an encourager to all who knew her. She had a gift for listening with empathy and helping others feel loved and accepted. As her children, we echo the statement made by one of her former companions: “She believed in me and taught me I could be whatever I wanted.”
Her greatest joy was her children. We were her world, and we never doubted her love for us. There was no limit to the depths she would go to help one of us through challenges. Mom was the first person we went to during hard times, and she would listen and give advice in the most tender way. She would go to the ends of the earth to support us through trials, build us up, and help us accomplish our dreams.
Mom dreamed of being a stay-at-home mother. Although she needed to work outside of the home, she served for more than 40 years in the hospice industry as the most compassionate and empathetic social worker. She gave selfless service consoling families of the dying and bereaved, sharing her love and light with all.
A gifted seamstress, Marsha was known to stay up late before any big holiday, sewing intricate and matching outfits for her four children. From Easter to Christmas and every holiday in between, the Johnson kids always had matching outfits that were sewn with so much love.
Our mother loved the holidays and waited all year for those two sacred weeks in December when she didn’t have to go to work, and she could spend treasured time with her husband and children. She made the holidays magical.
Marsha spent the 2021 holiday season in the hospital trying to recover from an infection following a routine surgery. It was so difficult for her to be away from her family during the holidays, so in January when she was home again, we gathered for a belated Thanksgiving dinner and to celebrate her 71st birthday at her home. She was beaming as she was the happiest when she was at home with her family. It was the last time we were all together, and we cherish that memory.
After retiring, Marsha made her home and garden her sanctuary, meticulously weeding, trimming, and growing beautiful lush flowers in her yard. She also visited each of her five siblings in their homes throughout the country and went on a trip to Bali with her adored sister, Sharon.
A lifelong fan of the restaurant Brick Oven, Diet Coke, and the Beatles, Marsha dreamed of seeing Paul McCartney in concert. She realized that dream in 2010 and again in 2015 when he came to Salt Lake City. The whole family got tickets, and she could be seen swaying to the old tunes like a '60s teenager.
One of her deepest commitments in life was to her faith and to her savior Jesus Christ. Our mother was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She valued her upbringing in the Church and served faithfully her whole life. She made a lasting impact on the children and youth of the Church through the Primary and Young Women programs. She relied heavily on her faith to build her up during some extremely difficult trials in her life.
Mom worked hard to fill our home with love, laughter, music, and spirituality. There were also lots of practical jokes, and she was in absolute heaven when her children where home playing music and singing around the fire. These are cherished memories that we continue to carry with us.
Mom cherished her nine grandchildren, and she adorned them with gifts and her time, often hosting craft nights, cookie decorating parties, Christmas with Santa, or sewing beautiful clothes and blessing dresses.
Words cannot express what our mother meant to us. The beautiful bright light of her life shone on so many people in so many ways. We feel blessed to have known and loved her. Our mother spent her life being kind to and serving others, and she taught us to do the same. She was an angel on earth, and we grieve her loss. We also rejoice that she is reunited with three of the people she loved most: her husband, mother, and father.
Marsha is predeceased by her husband, Dale; mother, Melba; and father, Leo. She was also the primary caregiver for each before they died, serving them with love, patience, and compassion. She leaves behind her beloved children Erin (Ethan), Melanie (Paul), James (Shanelle), Daniel (Carrissa); nine precious grandchildren (Emily, Greta, Jase, Anson, Madden, Andi, Audrey, Nash, Saige); and many treasured lifelong friends, including Carolyn Hanson and Connie Johnson.
Funeral services will take place at the Grandview 11th Ward chapel located at 900 W. 2150 N. in Provo on Thursday, March 3, 2022, beginning at 10 a.m. Family and friends may pay their respects at the public viewing to be held at the same location on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. or Thursday prior to the funeral services beginning at 9 a.m. Interment to follow at Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her dear Dale.
Those unable to attend the funeral can view it through the live YouTube link.
As a family, we thank Mom’s neighbors and friends whose love and service in the last months of her life—and always—will not be forgotten.
What’s your fondest memory of Marsha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marsha?
Share a story where Marsha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marsha you’ll never forget.
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