Funeral Service for Martha Marie Johnson, "Wi hinapa ded na'zin Win" standing here as the sunrises woman, 70 of Sioux Falls, SD will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Community Center, Agency Village, SD with Danny Seaboy and Mikey Peters officiating. Pianist will be Billy Kohl. Drum Group will be Wahekute. Pallbearers will be Tom DeCoteau Jr., Eric Jens Sr., Bunty Hislaw, Addison Johnson, Austin Johnson, and Dwayne Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Henry Johnson and Justin Quinn, and all of Martha's Relatives and Friends. Interment will be in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. All Night Wake Service will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Community Center, Agency Village, SD. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Martha Marie Johnson was born on October 12, 1946 in Sisseton, South Dakota to John and Mabel(Isaac) Johnson Jr. Martha, Mom, Sister and Friends were the many ways she was addressed, but whichever way you chose to use, you would always be met with a sweet smile. Martha loved the simple joys in life, a beautiful sunrise, spending time with her family, playing with her grandkids and most of all observing her traditional ways. She was eager to attend Sundance and pow-wows, many of us will remember her fondly in her green prayer shawl. She was addicted to diet coke, anything with a smiley face, and the occasional pack of "old gold" cigarettes. She stopped drinking for her children and was able to maintain her sobriety for almost thirty years. She loved frybread, laughter, apple pies, jokes (even bad ones) and some of her fondest memories were attending her children and grand childrens special events. Eagle's were a constant source of strength for her, she had them in each room and kept them close for comfort. Martha was a dear loving friend who gave all she had to others, whether it was her time sitting with friends who were ill, her money to those who didn't have enough, or her home when someone needed to rest and her prayers and words of encouragement to "stay strong". While Mom was in the hospital it made her happy to hear all of yours prayers and kind words while she was fighting. When she knew the end was near and we discussed what was to come, her eyes lit up like the eyes of a child knowing she would once again be free, able to run and jump and do all the things that her health and age began to limit over the years. She was eager to be with family members and friends who have gone before her and that she missed so dearly. She was a sweet, gentle soul that will be dearly missed.
Martha is survived by four children, Lynn and wife Jill Johnson and grandson Henry of Manitou Springs, CO, Jason Johnson and grandchildren Addison, Austin and Hannah of Sioux Falls, SD, Jessica Johnson and grandchildren Mahpiya, Dramiyn, Dazanti and Dasante of Texas, and Carla Johnson and grandchildren Dwayne and Serenity of Sioux Falls, SD; one sister, Bernice Johnson of Sisseton, SD; nieces and nephews Robin Quinn of Sisseton, SD, Dawn Price of Manistee, MI, Dean Price of Watertown, SD, Joy Lohre of Sisseton SD, Barb Jens, Tom DeCoteau Jr., Eric Jens, Bunty Hislaw, Lydia Mullins, Russ Mullins, Mike Mullins, Carla Mullins, Chris Mullins; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; mother Agnes Williams; one son Dwayne Johnson; siblings, Dorothy Johnson Max, Sylvester Johnson, Mary Johnson, Michael Johnson, Virginia Mullins, Ruth Johnson, Levi Williams Sr., Philip Williams and Reuben Williams.