Another of the beautiful Vann girls has gone to heaven. Marjorie V. Johnson, 94, passed away peacefully at home after a period of declining health. She was constantly surrounded by family and Mrs. Bobbie Landtroop until the very end. Regina Upchurch and Liberty Hospice were also part of the valuable care team.

Marjorie was born on the family farm January 7, 1922. She was one of 8 children born to Mae Guy and Needham Vann. Marjorie attended Buies Creek School with all the local children and they remained lifelong friends. She met and fell in love with a local boy, Lloyd Reid Johnson, and patiently waited for him while he traveled to Alaska, then again when he enlisted and served in the Navy during World War II. In September of 1947, they married and settled into their new life together. They were married for almost 69 years when Reid passed away on August 1, 2015.

Marjorie and Reid lived on the Vann family farm where she was born and raised. Like their parents, they needed a few more hands to help work and had three children. The first child was Benita (Larry Messer) who served her parents in so very many ways. She took on all the responsibility designated to the oldest child with a giving heart. The middle child was Teresa, who remained a dedicated caregiver for both of her parents during their final years. The son they longed for was the third child, Timothy (Denise). He lived across the road and was always on call, as well as tending the yard and taking care of farm business when his father could no longer manage.

Marjorie was first and foremost a loving partner to Reid, as well as a truly wonderful mother. She was a sweet and indulgent grandmother and great grandmother. Their home was the central gathering place for all occasions, small and large, and their door was always open. Marjorie was a legendary baker and many of the family, friends and neighbors would stop by for a delicious piece of pie or cake, always with a short glass of milk.

During the winter seasons, Marjorie would undertake new hobbies. Just a few of her accomplishments were: cake decorating, basket weaving, refinishing furniture, cross stitching and tole painting. One particularly large undertaking was a king-size comforter with a beautiful homestead scene that took three winters to complete. It adorns her casket as a tribute. Marjorie was also an excellent seamstress. She and the girls always had beautiful clothes, all hand made. Another of her passions was having a beautiful yard with seasonal flowers which included her beloved rose garden.

Marjorie was a faithful member of Neill's Creek Baptist Church for her entire life. She and Reid were the caretakers of their home church, Neill's Creek Baptist, for 37 years. She sang in the choir until 1986 when she suffered a mild stroke that affected her speech. She served the church by faithful attendance and serving the community. Marjorie and Reid would do anything for anybody and never met a stranger. They were a true asset to the community and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her 3 children she is survived by 4 grandchildren; Jessica Woody (Johnny), Myrandi Reid Walker (Brian), Dallas Messer (Joanne) and Haley Goins. There are 4 great-grandsons: Gavin, Maddox, Banks, and Jett Woody; a great-granddaughter Ashley Walker. She is also survived by sisters, Faye Johnson and Betty Connell; brother, Son Vann; sisters-in-law, Carol Hart, Gladys Woodall (Marshall), Ruth Gregory and brother-in-law, Carl Johnson (Laverne).

Marjorie is predeceased by her brothers, Percy and Billy "Doll" Vann and sisters, Lizzie Mae "Boots" Matthews, Will Adams and Ruby Lee Fish.

Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, December 1, 2016, from 1:30-3:00 PM at Neill's Creek Baptist Church, 4200 Neills Creek Road in Angier. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Chris Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Neill's Creek Baptist Church, 4200 Neills Creek Rd., Angier, NC 27501.