Margie M Johnson

Margie May McLendon was born September 7, 1914, in Anson County, North Carolina to parents David L. McLendon and Tiny Mask McLendon. She was the fourth child in her family of four boys and four girls. While growing up, Margie and her siblings spent their time working on the family’s farm picking cotton, growing tobacco and helping till the land her family owned.

In her early years, Margie accepted Christ into her life and became an active member of Pleasant Baptist Church in Ansonville, NC.  It was during this time she met and married the late Ed Hubbard.  To this union, three children were born.  Sons, Ed Jr and James, both deceased, and a daughter, Minnie Rowser (Jimmy) who resides in Westchester County, NY.

Years later Margie relocated from North Carolina to Montclair, NJ, to seek better employment opportunities.  Once settled in Montclair, it was important to her to find a church home.  She began to attend, and eventually joined Union Baptist Church, becoming a faithful member and serving for a time on the usher board.  

While living in Montclair, Margie met and married Edward Louis Johnson, affectionately known as “Lanky.”  To this union a son, David L Johnson (Ella), was born.  

Several years after her marriage to Edward, Margie began her career at the Westinghouse Corporation in Bloomfield, NJ, where she worked as a machine operator making light bulbs.  She worked the evening shift, 3 PM to 11 PM, her entire career, over twenty-two years.  She only took time off when her son, David, was born.  After the Westinghouse plant closed, she went to work for Montclair Kimberly Academy, for 18 years after which she officially retired. Throughout her entire life, from the time David was in elementary school continuing well into her late 80’s, Margie worked a variety of part time jobs: caterer, housekeeper, caregiver, companion, etc., for various individuals and families in the Montclair area to supplement the family income.  Margie’s work ethic was very strong and she always held a minimum of two jobs.  Even recently, she would ask if there was anyone looking to hire as she was looking for a job. 

Margie had a passion for cooking, gardening and shopping.  As she aged, she was disappointed she was unable to fix meals and desserts, especially cakes, for family and friends.  Many of David’s friends, who often visited her, whether he was home or not, would ask “Ms. Johnson, do you have any cake?”  It brought her great joy to feed family, friends and others whenever they came to her house.

Margie also opened her homes to family members and friends.   While living in an apartment on Mission Street, she rented one of the bedrooms to a family friend.  Her children Minnie and Ed Jr (known as “Buck”) lived in the apartment until they each found a place of their own. After Margie and Edward purchased their home on Claremont Ave, she continued welcoming family and friends to live with them.  She welcomed her grandchildren during various times of their lives, her married children and their families, and a childhood friend of her son David.  She also opened the doors of her home to her future caregiver and longtime friend, Pat Gilbert.  Margie made everyone feel comfortable and welcomed in her home.  

Margie has always been a strong willed, determined and fiercely independent person.  Even into her 100’s and up until her last days, she still wanted to do things her way and with minimal help.  

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate and honor Margie May McLendon Johnson, and remember the exemplary and caring life of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, friend and neighbor.  We thank God for the amazing gift of her longevity, her perseverance and giving spirit. 

Margie’s legacy lives on through her 100 year old sister, Ruth Thomas, of Chesapeake, VA, and her two children, Minnie Rowser (Jimmy) New York and David Johnson (Ella) of Virginia.  Her fifteen (15) grandchildren: Eddie Hubbard, Margie Harrell-Young, Patricia Chatman, Ruby Carpenter, Ruth Weaver, Rustine Hubbard, Valerie Hubbard, Mischelle Hubbard, Bruce Rowser. Michelle Rowser, Tiffani Johnson-Barnes, David E. Johnson, Alan Johnson, Eric Johnson and Jessica Johnson-Kubic.  More than 21 great grandchildren and 47 great great grandchildren.  In addition to her niece and nephew Andrea and June Robinson and a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish the memories she left behind.

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