MARILYN ANN (JOHNSON) SMITH

August 1, 1931 – June 5, 2018

Marilyn Ann Smith, age 86, passed peacefully away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at her home, The Lexington Assisted Living, 5550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska, following a short illness. She was born on August 1, 1931, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, to Oliver Wendall Johnson and Kathryn May Hall. Marilyn grew up in many communities in Nebraska due to her father's occupation as an engineer for the Department of Roads. Marilyn returned to Broken Bow later where she graduated from high school. Marilyn went on to attend college earning a bachelor's degree in Education and taught 1 ^st and 2 ^nd grades and served as a substitute teacher in the Lincoln Public Schools system.

After a courtship that was nearly all by mail, Marilyn married Richard Felton Smith on June 13, 1953, at First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. They moved to Sacramento, California to start their lives together where Richard was assigned in the Air Force.   Randy, the first of four sons was born in 1954 in Sacramento.   Richard was discharged December 1954 and the young Smith family returned to Nelson, Nebraska, where Richard's parents, Davis & Leona, farmed. Two more sons, Mark (1955) and Brent (1958), were born while living in Nelson. A job for Richard resulted in the family moving to Lincoln in where Marilyn's fourth son, Gregg (1960) was born. Marilyn had been a teacher but her most valued calling she would have told anyone was that was blessed to make a home for Richard and four active boys.

Marilyn loved her pet cats over her lifetime and doted on each of them. If you looked around her home, among the photos of family, photos of her beloved cats are prominently displayed. Marilyn also enjoyed music of all kinds and her favorites included classical and praise music.

Marilyn had a deep, abiding faith and personal relationship with the Lord. It was in everything she ever did or said. She was a faithful member of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Lincoln for over 50 years where she served in many committees and duties in Session and as deacon. She was generous with her love and devotion to the work of the church. She loved helping with the bulletins for the services and was the one called for the prayer chain. She valued her service in church ministries including joining the pastor for visitations of members convalescing in hospitals and nursing homes; as well as sending cards to members celebrating special occasions or support for illness and sympathy.

The love of her life (after her Lord, church work, and her family) would be her vast love of her books and reading. For Marilyn, it was beyond just a hobby. She loved devotionals and all kinds of religious books along with many other genres.   Over her life, she collected entire series of several favorite mystery authors and accumulated an extensive personal library of classics that rivals any avid reader's collections. Her insatiable love for reading was a source of comfort and peace all her life.

Marilyn left a legacy of faith and devotion and was an example for her family and all who knew her.   She leaned on her faith and prayer which, to her, was the answer to challenges throughout her life. Among her personal belongings, she left a wealth of favorite verses, quotes, and writings. One of those she had clipped for safekeeping is especially appropriate to include here:

We cannot know what lies ahead from day to passing day,

What changes God is planning in His wise and loving way.

We cannot know the reasons He allows both joy and tears,

Why we must lose the precious ones we've cherished through the years.

We cannot know --- but we must trust, and faith can help us find

Our way to those tomorrows that will bring us peace of mind.

She is survived by her sons, Randy D. Smith (Laura) of North Glenn, CO; Mark A. Smith (Rebecca) of Lincoln, NE: and Brent R. Smith of Lincoln, NE; as well as her sister-in-law, Susannah Johnson and nephews, Scott, Rob & Bill Johnson all in Virginia.

Marilyn was blessed with six grandchildren: Jeff Smith & Brandon Smith in Colorado; Shelli (Smith) Cervantes in Missouri; Kari (Smith) Goering, Kyle Smith, and Jessica Smith all in Nebraska. Her great-grandchildren included: Santana & Antonio Cervantes; Nikala & Alex Smith; Sophie Smith and Lennon & Nixon Goering.

Marilyn loved many people unconditionally and had extremely devoted friends who she thought of as family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, O.W. Johnson & Kathryn Hall Johnson; her brother, Dennis Johnson; her husband, Richard F. Smith, and her son, Gregg D. Smith.

The family invites you to Marilyn Smith's Celebration of Life Memorial Service Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 880 S. 35 ^th St., Lincoln, Nebraska, with fellowship and lunch following the service. Arrangements facilitated by Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, Nelson, Nebraska.  Interment will follow at the Nelson Cemetery, in Nelson.   Memorials in honor of Marilyn can be sent in care of Mark Smith, 3790 Garfield St., Lincoln, Nebraska, 68506.