Marlene Anne (Bassett) Johns
Age 91, of Lakeland, FL, Lakeview, MI, formerly of Lansing, MI, passed away on August 18, 2024. She was born on January 20, 1933, in Aurora, IL, and had been a resident of Lansing, MI for 16 years moving to Lakeview, MI (50+ years), and Lakeland, FL (28 years) in retirement. She attended North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She was a teacher, actively involved in church leadership by the side of her husband, The Reverend Richard E. Johns’ 42-year Ministerial Career. She was actively involved through the United Methodist Women, the Church Choirs, Music Director of several choral and bell choirs, and Pre-School Program director and teacher. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a true woman of faith and a disciple of Christ who blessed everyone that came across her path.
Surviving are her 5 children, Richard Johns of Lakeland, FL, Douglas (Cathy) Johns of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Dianne Smith of Pompano Beach, FL, Jodi (Mark) Sullivant of Hendersonville, NC, and Jill (Emmanuel) Sikaundi of Kalamazoo; 5 grandchildren, Ashley (Mike) Rosa of Cincinnati, OH, Blake (Jessica) Johns of Lexington, SC, Mackenzie Sullivant of Oxford, OH, Jason Sikaundi, and Caleb Sikaundi; 4 great-grandchildren, Emerson Rosa, Jack Rosa, Charlotte Johns, and Sophie Johns; 2 sisters, Donna Heck of Lakeland, FL, and Carol (Bruce) Panse of Holland, MI; and nieces and nephews.
Religious memorial services will be conducted by the Rev. Douglas M. Johns at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Johns/Bassett Scholarship Fund for Seminary Students. Please make checks payable to either: Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing, MI 48910 or United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, 3347 Eagle Run Dr. NE, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. *Earmarked for Johns/Bassett Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
4 Messages to “Marlene Anne (Bassett) Johns”
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Melissa Anne Pearson
August 20, 2024 at 10:59 pmFor the Johns Family, my deepest sympathy. I occasionally visited Mrs. Johns in Lakeview with my Father as she often used his home maintenance skills in exchange for her support of Habitat for Humanity. She was always very gracious and spoke with pride and positivity of her home and Family memories, especially at Lakeview. Prayers for peace as you honor and grieve.
Colin Lipka
August 21, 2024 at 4:54 pmMrs. Johns will always have a special place in my heart. She was very kind to me when she attended Grace UMC, despite me being sort of a trouble maker. The trip to Chicago that Reverend and Mrs. Johns chaperoned for our church confirmation group, are memories I still cherish 30 years later. Thank you for the positive influence in my life. It was needed and helped more than I could ever express.
Dick, Dorothy, Daun and Donna Jones
August 22, 2024 at 11:26 amFor the Johns Family, our deepest sympathy to each of you. Your mother and father were very special to us and our family. From the first day your fathers name was printed in the church bulletin at Big Rapids FUMC, Dick related being Richard E. Jones. The hayrides, confirmation trips to Chicago(Rev. Johns standing on his head(we have pictures) and that big blue bus), the cottage in Lakeview(where your mom was a wonderful host we had so many good times) and so many more memorable events. Our prayers for strength and comfort to each of you and your families as you say farewell to your mother.
Dennis Lyons
August 22, 2024 at 9:17 pmThe Lyons Family the Lord and Savior has your mom now after doing his work for all her life.