Mildred L. Johnson of Marshall, MO, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
Some legacies are not written; they walk the earth, named after those who came before.
Mildred Lorene (Sutherland) Johnson passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at her Granddaughter, Kalee's home, in Marshall, Missouri with family members at her bedside. Kalee had been her grandmother's continuous caregiver for over two years. Mildred received the very best care and quality of life anyone could ever imagine, thanks to Kalee.
Mildred was born on December 7, 1933, to Elmer and Pauline (Counts) Sutherland, on a farm between Eminence and Winona, Missouri. She was the middle child with an older sister, Eulah, and a younger brother, James Manuel. She was a hard worker from the beginning, born during the depression on a farm. She often would tell us bedtime stories about her life growing up. She would tell us, I guess we were poor, but we had plenty to eat, clothing on our backs and a roof over our heads. We didn't think of ourselves as poor; we had as much as any of our neighbors.
Mildred leaves her adoring children, Barbara Belinda (Johnny) Houk, Bertham Delano "Bert Del" (Heidi) Johnson, and Charles "Keith" (Debbie) Johnson. Mildred was known for being an excellent mom, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved to cook for her friends and family, and you could smell the delicious aroma as you pulled up to their home in the countryside. Around Christmas time, which was magical to Mildred, she would cut out and bake Christmas cookies, then her children and grandchildren would get to decorate them and take them home. It was a tradition. Mildred's Chocolate Pies and Fried Chicken were family and friend favorites. In the fall, Mildred and Del would have an Octoberfest for their children and grandchildren, with hayrides and bonfires. They truly loved making special memories for their family. Mildred's grandchildren and great grandchildren include John Seth Shumate, Brooke, Neriah Brielle and Reese Lorraine Shumate, Kalee Kenney (Darin) Ross, Danielle (Remington) and Rhett Reno, Konnor Zane and Kora Emmaline Ross, Spencer Onstot (Nelly) Johnson, and Annabel Grace Johnson, Lacy Belinda (Sam) Wiseman, Ella Elizabeth and Mary Alice Wiseman, Rachel Ann (Clint) Pickard, Theodore Spencer and Banks Montgomery Pickard, Molly Beth (William) Camp, Chelsea Lauren Shumate, Tyler, Evan Keith Johnson, Benjamin Keith and Abigail Delynn Johnson, John M. Houk, M. Ryan Houk, Crystal D. Houk, Nichole S. (James) Brewer, Nicholas and Hannah Brewer, Ryan (Cheryl) Houk, Chloe and Cyrus Houk.
Mildred worked in the Henry County Treasurer Collector's Office for 10 years prior to being elected as the Treasurer/Collector of Henry County for 3 terms or 12 years. She was known for making sure her office was open during the lunch hour and would even go to the homes of her Henry County Constituents if they could not make it into the office. She never missed a day and only took one vacation as the Treasurer Collector. Mildred would say that I am an elected official, and I am here to serve my community. Which she did with great pride and dedication. Mildred left a great legacy of service and love for her Saviour Jesus Christ, her family, and her friends. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., just prior to the funeral service. Mrs. Johnson will lie in state Friday from noon to 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be in Englewood Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Clinton Animal Shelter, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home.
