Mary Johnson Obituary

Mary Louise, 101, of Brookfield, died on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at The Timbers Assisted Living in Holts Summit, Missouri. Funeral services will be Friday, April 28, 2023, at 11:30 a. m. at the First Christian Church in Brookfield with Pastor Michael Dunn officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookfield, Missouri. The family will receive friends Friday from 10:30 a. m. until the time of the service at the church. In leiu of flowers, memorials to the First Christian Church or Animal Shelter of Linn County may be left at the church or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P. O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628. Mary Louise, daughter of Joseph Henry and Ola Inez (Spriggs) Meyer, was born on December 6, 1921, in Brookfield, Missouri. On August 20, 1939, she married Wallace Burns Johnson, Jr. They moved onto the farm they bought in April 1940, and had three beautiful daughters, Priscilla Ann, Patricia Louise, and Cheryl Sue Johnson. The family raised Angus cattle, Hampshire hogs, several breeds of sheep, chickens, and three-gaited horses, her favorite being 'Gallant Girl', which she rode in horse shows and garnered several trophies along the way. In October 1964, Mary Louise became a widow from a tragic farm-related accident taking her beloved husband, Jr. Mary Louise spent several years in Los Angeles, California as a sorority house mother, and upon returning to Missouri, was an entrepreneur and invested in real estate. She was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Brookfield, and a member of the Linn County Progressive Club (since 1942). Mary Louise was extremely talented and had many lifelong hobbies surrounding Music, Art, and Literature. Her passion for music blossomed in her early days while attending Brookfield High School, from which she was a 1939 graduate in a class of 103. She was a flute soloist in the Brookfield High School Band and Orchestra and a member of the Glee Club. She sang for 50 plus years in the Linn County and Brookfield Community Choruses. She also sang alongside many greats as part of the First Christian Church Choir; including a special duet rendition of "O Holy Night", which she would say was one of her favorite moments. A true artist, Mary Louise started her career painting high school senior photo portraits. As she refined her skillset, she transitioned to creating beautiful oil paintings, many of which can be seen throughout her church, family, and friends' homes. She also won various awards with her artwork. Mary Louise was an avid reader of all genres, but preferred books that would take her far away into places around the world and other times. Later in life, and even as her eyesight dwindled, she would listen to books on tape daily, brought to her by the Wolfner Library. She loved her family deeply and lived her life to the fullest. She had an amazing memory; was strong-willed, detailed, and enjoyed the finer things life had to offer. She was a true believer in leaving the Earth a better place (be it with the beauty of flowers and trees, to possessions one might hold). She entertained her family and friends with some of the most fantastic stories from the past. Her mantras in life were, 'To Thine Own Self Be True' and 'Brighten the corner where you are! Brighten the corner where you are! Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar; Brighten the corner where you are!' Survivors include her eight grandchildren, Michael (Michelle) Mordecai of Gillette, Wyoming, Linda (Harland) Collins of Brookfield, Susan Tollerton of Jefferson City, Melanie Mordecai of Kansas City, Rob Tollerton of Brookfield, Donnie (Sherri) Mordecai of Kearney, Doug (Janet) Tollerton of Brookfield, and Matthew (Casey) Tollerton of Holts Summit; eighteen great-grandchildren, Megan (Geran) Minton, Matthew (Dacia) Mordecai, Matt (Brittany) Rulon, Heather Rulon, Alexis (Micheal) Tollerton McCollum, Clayton (Sarah) Mordecai, Chopper (Paige) Mordecai, Ryan (Ronda) Collins, Bradley (Stephanie) Collins, Matthew (Ashley) Collins, Dana (Jason) Collins Dimmitt, Russell (Kayleigh) Manley, Dalton King, Jasmine (Jesse) King, Madyson (Dylan) Berry Williams, Tanner Berry, Tucker Tollerton, and Clara Tollerton; twenty-five great-great-grandchildren, Kenslie Stufflebean, Gracie (Myles) Derickson, Destiny Collins, Emmy Collins, Nik Jordan, Colt Collins, Camden Collins, Chaz Collins, Crew Collins, Jude Dimmitt, Delilah Dimmitt, Avery King Byrnes, Parker King Byrnes, Brecken Minton, Elliana Minton, Mace Minton, Maverick Mordecai, Payden Rulon, Hudson Rulon, Amre White, Kingston McCollum, Kemper McCollum, Jaxson Williams, Jett Williams, and JD Williams; two great-great-great grandchildren, Mayor Derickson, Roeyn Derickson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Henry and Ola Inez (Spriggs) Meyer; her husband, Wallace Johnson Jr. ; one infant brother, Mikel Meyer, and one sister, Grace (Meyer) Ratliff; her daughters, Priscilla Ann (Johnson) Burns, Patricia Louise (Johnson) Tollerton, and Cheryl Sue Johnson; great-granddaughter, Desiree (Collins) Stufflebean; son-in-laws, Gene Mordecai, and Robert Tollerton Jr; grandson-in-law, Tim Collins; and granddaughter-in-law, Sharese Tollerton. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary Louise (Meyer) Johnson, please visit our