Martha J. Johns

Martha Jane Lindquist Johns, age 87, of Rochester Hills, passed away on August 5, 2024. Born on February 12, 1937 in Melvindale, to Wyndham and Patricia Reager, she was the third of ten children. She married Marshall Lindquist in 1958 and raised her family of five in Dearborn, Michigan, where she became an active member and beloved fixture of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School. She dedicated countless hours to the PTA, volunteered in the hot lunch line, taught mini-courses in cooking and taught Sunday School, becoming a familiar presence in the halls during her children's years at Emmanual's K-8.
Martha cherished her role as a mother, a passion that was evident in her deep relationships with each of her children. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, often traveling with her grandchildren in their younger years. Professionally, Martha worked as a paraprofessional with intellectually and developmentally disabled children, providing extra attention and care that was appreciated and reciprocated with love.
Martha's defining characteristics are beautifully summarized by her devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, her family, and her unwavering passion for helping others. She regularly attended Church and relied heavily on God for guidance in her daily life, determined to raise her children in a Christian home grounded in strong values.
Her compassion and nurturing spirit extended beyond her family. Martha had a remarkable ability to see the best in people, always giving others the benefit of the doubt, even strangers. Her generosity was boundless and given with joy. A true patriot, Martha loved her country, respected its flag and honored its military. Every Fourth of July, she could be counted on to proudly sing "God Bless America" multiple times. Her favorite president was Abraham Lincoln.
Christmas was Martha's favorite time of year, representing all that she saw as good-the birth of Christ, family, giving and celebration. She epitomized grace, dignity, strength of character, elegance and love for family and friends, as well as those who briefly passed through her life. Martha led and taught by example, rooted in her deep love of God and her faith.
Later in life Martha married Richard Johns. Together they enjoyed spending their winters in Florida, returning to Michigan for Christmas.
Martha is survived by her children: Denise, Marshall (Sally), Cynthia (Jim), Mark (Debra) and Maribeth (Joe), along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, siblings Bill, Ronnie (Nancy), Nancy, Sue, and Joe, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Road (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (visitation 10:00 a.m.) at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, 1345 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to The Salvation Army are appreciated.