Johnson, April Marie

April Marie Johnson, 61, of Cedar Rapids, died Feb. 21, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center from a lengthy illness. Memorial services: 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at Salem Methodist Church, 3715 33rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids. There will be no visitation.

Survivors include her mother, Barbara Wright; daughter, Andrea Johnson (Shewarence Gibbs); brother, Scott (Diana) Musgrove; sisters, Cynthia Sallis, Sandra Musgrove, Dyane Musgrove and Carolyn Wright; granddaughter, Laryssa Gibbs; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her fathers, Robert Musgrove and Lee Wright; brother, John Musgrove; and nephews, Jack Gibson and Daniel Sallis.

April was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 18,1950, to Robert and Barbara Musgrove. In 1968, she graduated from the Mount Vernon High School. She received a degree in criminal justice from Kirkwood Community College.

Her greatest joy was her daughter, Andrea, and her granddaughter, Laryssa. Andrea was her mother's caregiver and her biggest champion, providing April with unwavering support.

April had a passion for reading, sweet tea, and chocolate. Garage selling and Bingo were two favorite past-times that she shared with her mother, who was her best friend.

April's memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and her unborn granddaughter, April Marie Gibbs.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

A heartfelt thank you to April's Dr. Katie Kavanaugh, Dr. Cowden, and the 5th floor nurses, respiratory therapists, and other staff at Mercy that went above and beyond.

Published Feb. 23, 2012 in The Gazette