Johanna Mackey

Johanna Garnaat Mackey was born in Portage, Michigan on November 19, 1924 to Henry and Helen Garnaat. She joined siblings Sarah and John and was in turn followed by siblings Donald and Elizabeth.

Johanna grew up during the depression and World War II. She learned of sacrifice and how to be joyous and content with little. She learned and taught that faith in God and love for one’s family were the most important things in life. This faith she passed on to her children.

Johanna met Richard Mackey in 1949. She married Richard, whom she referred to as her best friend, on April 29, 1950. They raised six children Dale, Steven, Richard, David, Viola and Glen. Johanna was very active in her church working with children and her house was always filled with children from the neighborhood. She loved to laugh and people were attracted to her because of her truly caring nature. She was an intelligent woman whom one could count on.

Johanna passed away suddenly on February 14 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard Mackey, brother John Garnaat, children Steve and Gina Mackey, Richard and Claire Mackey, David Mackey, Steve and Viola (Mackey) Stiverson, Glen and Chris Mackey, fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Johanna is preceded in death by her oldest son Dale, sisters: Sarah and Elizabeth and brother, Donald.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19th at 10 a.m. at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Vicksburg, Michigan.

Please visit Johanna’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her memory book online.