"Marge has a special place in my heart. We talked about many things these last few years. She was modest and didn't talk so much about herself. I started visiting her on Mondays that were available to me as a member of our church visitor group. But we had known each other for a long time before that. She loved her family and let me know them through our visits! She was very pleased to have a photo of her home-place in Tennessee. Her memories were very special to her and she could share with me up until her passing with no problem. I always felt good and special after our visits. I really appreciate her gifting me that way. I always enjoyed her writing and the book that she wrote a ghost story in. Loved her telling me about that and enjoyed her laughing when she talked about it. We have been blessed for sure to have Marge with us as long as we did! My prayers for her family. Bonnie Nunn "
In loving memory of
Marjorie Johnson
August 6, 1923 - October 9, 2017
Weslaco- Marjorie Hyde Johnson passed away at Valley Grande Manor on October 9th, 2017. She was born on August 6, 1923 in Springfield, Tennesse, to William and Maude Hyde and lived in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery, Alabama before moving to Weslaco in 1957.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Ray and Ralph Hyde in Tennesse, a sister, Helen Hyde Green who died in 2015 and her husband, Burt Johnson, who died in Weslaco in 1994. She is survived by a brother, Charles (Lucia) Hyde of Raton, New Mexico, a stepson, Frank (Marie) Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona, and several nieces and nephews.
After moving to Weslaco with her husband Burt in 1957, she worked on the development of Knapp Medical Center and John Knox Villager Retirement Center (then named Wesley Manor) in Weslaco.
In 1967 she began thirty-seven years as publications editor, photographer, and administrative assistant with the Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce, now the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, retiring in 2004. Under its sponsorship she compiled the Valley Proud History Cookbook in 1991 and authored Historic Grande Valley: An Illustrated History, published in 2001.
She was a graduate of Pan American University, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, an active volunteer at the Weslaco Museum, member of the Hidalgo County Historical Commission, and First United Methodist Church, serving as its board secretary for many years.
She was named 2003 Citizen of the Year by the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce and its Volunteer of the Year for 2006. In 2012 she received the "Women in American History" award from the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sam Maverick Chapter.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 16th, 2017, at 10am at the First United Methodist Church of Weslaco, 520 S Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Weslaco or charity of choice.
Tributes
"Marge, my baby sister, I love you dearly. We have many memories of growing up and later. I called you my baby sister because I'm 9 years younger but you're my youngest sister. You are truly a one of a kind. Charles M Hyde, baby brother."
"Condolences to family and friends and may she rest in peace. She was a very sweet lady and always with a smile. You will never be forgotten. You will always be in our hearts and mind. From Mary Quintero and Francis Rocha and Arturo Saenz. "
"Margie, my dear friend, writing mentor and role model. What an unforgettable mix of intelligence, humor, insights and kindness you were."
"Such a cheerful and generous woman, a faithful member of her community and her church. She made a difference to so many."
"Marjorie, you were a one of a kind, first class lady. The world will not easily replace your kindness and your sweet spirit. I hope the angels appreciate your cookies. Rest In Peace."