Margaret Ann Sheppeard Johnston

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Margaret Ann Sheppeard Johnston, age ninety-seven, born in Campbell, Texas, on the 11th of October 1924, entered into eternal rest with the Lord on Wednesday, the 5th January 2022 at the Fox Hollow Post Acute in Brownsville, Texas. She was preceded in death, by her husband of sixty-nine years William Melvin Johnston; her parents, William Duke and Viva Sheppard; her parents-in-law, Marion and Mary Long; brother, Elton Ray Sheppeard and daughter-in-law Nancy Parham Johnston; brother-in-law, Roy May, and son-in-law, David John Hardy. She is survived by a sister, Viva Sheppeard May; sons William Ronnal (Linda), Donald Ray (Barbara), and James Kenneth (Terri); a daughter, Sandra Ann (David); fifteen grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Margaret, a graduate of Campbell High School, met Melvin, a Staff Sergeant in the U. S. Army Air Corps, and became a World War II Bride when they married on the 26th of December 1942.  She initially accompanied him while stationed at Big Springs Army Air Field Texas and Altus Army Air Field Oklahoma. When he was sent to Europe as a Rifle Infantry Platoon Sergeant, she returned to Campbell, Texas awaiting the end of the war and his safe return. Margaret, along with Melvin, were long time members of First Baptist Church Brownsville, Texas, serving as Children’s Sunday School Teachers and with youth missions. Margaret served with various school parent support organizations including Band Boosters to support her children’s educational and extracurricular activities. She was called to become active in the Texas Home Demonstration Club where she traveled throughout Texas lecturing, teaching and serving in various positions, including President, while routinely assisting County Home Extension Services education initiatives across the state. Margaret received a number of awards and accolades for her service including being named as the club’s first Woman of the Year.  Margaret was also an active member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA) organizing activities to assist and aid military veterans and their families in support of the DAVA.

Margaret was a devoted Christian wife and mother as well as a friend to many whom she provided help and council to over the years.  As parents, Margaret and Melvin are leaving a deeply spiritual legacy to their children and grandchildren, and a tradition of active ministry and service in their faith.

The family will gather for a graveside service at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 16th of January 2022 at Brigham Cemetery, County Road 4216, Campbell, Texas where Margaret will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Melvin.

Memories of Margaret may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.