Marvalie A. Johnson

1932 - 2021

Marvalie A. Johnson
Topeka - Marvalie A. (Tibbs) Johnson, 89, of Topeka and Silver Lake, Kansas passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2021.She was born February 7, 1932 with her twin sister, Marjorie I. (Tibbs) Hromada, the daughter of Harry and Dora (Howell) Tibbs in the family farm house near Grove, Kansas. Marvalie married Derryl Johnson on April 27, 1968 in Topeka, Kansas. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2020. Survivors include her sister, Marjorie Hromada; nieces, Pamela "Pam" Tibbs and Jana (Eric) Snyder; nephew in-law, Bill Foresman; great-nephew, Brett Foresman and Auren Snyder; great niece, Bretta Sejas and Annica (Philip) Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, DeLloyd Tibbs, Nadine Brown, Gerald Tibbs; niece, Marvalie Foresman; and brother in-law, Marvin Hromada. Marvalie attended the one room Forest Bluff School at Grove, Kansas near Silver Lake. Following graduation from Silver Lake High School with the class of 1950, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 1956 and her Master Degree from Emporia University in 1967. Marvalie retired after 38 years of teaching with Topeka Public Schools #501 at Sumner Elementary. Sumner Elementary was one of the elementary schools initially under the Brown VS. The Board decision of desegregation in public schools. After retirement she substituted several years for the Silver Lake Schools #372.She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, a member of the Grove 4-H club and the Shawnee County 4-H band. Marvalie and Marjorie won 1st place for a twirling demonstration at the Hutchinson State Fair promoting good health through exercise. Marvalie enjoyed traveling with Derryl and other family members. She and Marjorie crossed the Atlantic on the "Queen Mary" to tour England, Scotland, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Italy. They returned to the states on the "Queen Elizabeth". She toured 49 of the United States, Canada, several Caribbean cruises, Chili, Peru, and Easter Island. Growing up on the farm gave her an opportunity to love all animals, including the Llama herd she shared with Marjorie. Her favorite farm job was making hay for the Llamas. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Marvalie's favorite white cat, Snowflake, to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS, 66604-3720 or to the Grove Township. A graveside service will be at 11:00am on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Silver Lake, Kansas. A reception will follow the service at Grove Community Center. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.penwellgabeltopeka.com.