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It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Myrna Jean Burgess Johnson on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Born on July 9, 1930 in Battle Creek, Michigan, Myrna began life in Galesburg, Michigan as an only child of David Emerson and Patricia Opal "Bobbie" Burgess. Her grandparents were Harry and Margaret Sarah Burgess who started the Burgess Seed & Plant Company.
When Myrna was age 11, she moved (driving Route 66) with her mother to Hollywood, California, where she spent her school years through high school. Her summers were spent in Michigan with her father. Myrna graduated from Michigan State College with a Bachelor of History. She married Marty Johnson and they raised five children in Galesburg, Michigan.
Myrna returned to school attending MSU obtaining an education degree and then a Master of Education. She taught at Kellogg Elementary, Gull Lake Community Schools and believed in life-long learning.
Myrna enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables and flowers: even later in life, her patio garden always had tomatoes. She enjoyed nature: walking in woods, deserts, and beaches; collecting rocks and other treasures. Myrna loved seeking out lighthouses in the many places she ventured, taking time to enjoy sunsets and sunrises, and eating ice cream.
She had a passion for traveling throughout the United States and abroad many times visiting family on her adventures. Myrna loved listening to people, to music; playing the stock market; journaling about what she saw in life. She was a nonjudgmental person; always turning the conversation around to ask about you instead of talking about herself.
Myrna said "God gave me two lives to live, my second life is with my life partner Barbara…Our blended family is a gift from God."
Myrna is survived by Barbara Van Eck, wife of 32 years; her children: Mark Burgess Johnson of Lacey, Washington; Marsha (Andrew) Dillon of Redway, California; Marian (John) Clough of Auke Bay, Alaska; Michael (Sue) Johnson of Wayland, Michigan; Margot (Steve) Tesar of Mattawan, Michigan; and 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Myrna's name to the Phoenix Community Church, 345 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, 49007. To view Myrna's personalized guestbook, please visit