Marjorie King
Marjorie Grace (Johnson) King, 95, passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, in Brookfield WI where she recently lived to be closer to family, after being a proud Midlander for 64 years.
Marjorie was born June 23, 1924 in Jackson MN to Harry B and Elsie (Dueno) Johnson. She graduated from Jackson High School, then attended University of Minnesota. Through her father, owner of the Jackson County Pilot, she discovered a love for news and writing and earned her BA in journalism in 1946. During college she had internships with Virginia, MN and Mitchell, SD newspapers.
Following graduation, Marjorie moved to Midland to take a reporting position with the Midland Daily News where she enjoyed her work, learning much about the city, it's people, and the events of post-World War II. She loved sharing stories of those times and while on assignment, she met the love of her life, Ken King.
Marjorie married Kenneth G. King on October 9, 1948, gaining a ready-made family with children Kenneth Stanley and Kay. Through the 1950s, John, Kennie, Mary and Matthew were born. She became active in civic and church organizations and supported her children's activities. In the late 60s, Marjorie re-entered the workforce as a case worker for the Midland County Dept. of Social Services. After Kenneth's passing in 1971, she became the Children's Protective Services supervisor of Saginaw County Dept. of Social Services, a job of which she was most proud, and served as an adjunct instructor in protective services at Michigan State University School of Medicine. She retired in 1985, which gave her time to travel to many countries, always ready to learn more.
Marjorie was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church and served on several guilds, Sams Pantry and the endowment committee. She was a great appreciator of the arts, supporting many organizations in Midland and beyond. She was a volunteer at the Midland Center for the Arts and Midland Symphony well into her retirement. In her last years, she enjoyed living in a metro area that gave access to many art and music venues, especially with her daughter and great-grandchildren's concerts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, sister Helen Johnson, stepson Kenneth Stanley, sons John and Matthew, and grandson Andrew Bothwell. She is survived by daughters Kay Goldsmith (Melvin), Scottsdale AZ; Keni Bothwell, Brookfield WI; Mary Reidy (Kevin), Spokane WA; and grandchildren, Susan Bean, Clayton Harrison, Amanda Bothwell, Cara Reidy, and 6 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal in Midland at a later date and will be announced prior.
Gifts in Marjorie's name may be directed to the National MPS Society (Hurler's/Hunter's syndrome)(www.mpssociety.org) and National Children's Alliance( www.nationalchildrensalliance.org), or a children's charity of your choice, recognizing her love of children.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Midland Daily News on May 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Marjorie King

6 Entries

Anne Wolfe

April 30, 2021

Marjorie was a contemporary of my mother, born the same year, both grew up in the harsh weather of Minnesota. Like my mother, she enjoyed traveling, the arts, understanding foreign cultures, she was far more involved in dealing with people and their problems in her occupation and an extraordinarily caring person. She struck me when I met her as grounded and compassionate. I only knew her as my friend's mother briefly but she made an impression. People like her make a difference in this world.

Gary Parsch

May 15, 2020

Mrs. King was our neighbor across Ashman street in Midland MI during the 1970's and 80's. We knew her well and often talked when the warmer weather brought us outside. She was young at heart and was always interested in our young family. We had her over for dinner one night and my wife Paula and I concluded that we should be so lucky to be so "cool" in our later years. Sorry to hear of her passing but we are glad our paths crossed on Ashman street.

Deborah Dinkel

May 8, 2020

One of the most caring lady's I grew up loving......hugs and prayers to the family...

Jan Cohoon

May 8, 2020

Keni, please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your Mom. Have many fond memories of our friendship and your Mother's gentle touch when dealing with all us neighborhood kids. Wishing you comfort and peace today and always. Jan

Mark Allison

May 7, 2020

Keni, so sorry for loss. Your mom was certainly one of the saints of our youth. So many memories from church. What a vivacious and loving person. The Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord make his face to shine upon her and be gracious to her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace. Amen.

Anne Wolfe

May 7, 2020

Marjorie was an amazing woman I had the privilege of meeting many years ago when I knew her daughter Mary. Mary, and relations, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I remember your mother, father and little brother, and was impressed by your family. As you mourn, I hope you will eventually find, as I did, that good memories replace the sadness, and they cannot be taken from you.

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