SURRY
Margaret Johnson, 75, passed away peacefully on Aug. 8 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. Her husband of 41 years, Bill, and her six canine companions were at her bedside.
Marget was born on Nov. 24, 1944, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to George and Kathlyn Morton. Marget is survived by a younger sister, Terry, of Tucson, Ariz., and a younger brother, George, of Saint Charles, Mo. She was predeceased by her parents and an older sister, Mary.
Marget’s family moved from Fort Wayne to the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angles, Calif., in 1948, where she attended Corpus Christi Elementary and Saint Monica’s High School. After graduation in 1962, Marget attended Ithaca College in New York and the University of Southern California. In 1966, Marget went to work for NCR, then a major computer manufacturer, as a software engineer. She rose through the ranks and in 1972 was promoted to manager of Operating System Software Quality Control. She was the first female manager for that corporation. Marget held many management positions within NCR, including director of product development and executive office public relations officer.
In 1973, Marget married Robert Johnson of San Diego, Calif. That marriage ended in 1975. In 1979, Marget married William Matlock. Bill and Marget worked for NCR until the company was bought by the AT&T Corp. in 1990. They then transferred to AT&T’s corporate headquarters in Bedminster, N.J. She retired from AT&T in 2004. In retirement, they moved to Surry, built a home and became active in the community. Marget was a member of the Surry Planning Board from 2007 to 2010.
Marget was a lifelong lover of dogs, starting with German shepherds, then Newfoundlands and lastly Norwich terriers. Marget was a member of the Newfoundland Club of America and served on its board of directors for several years, in addition to being the editor of the club’s magazine in the 1990s. Marget was the breeder and owner of many AKC Grand Champions in both the Newfoundland and Norwich terrier breeds.
Marget and Bill wished to thank the Home Instead staff for the wonderful care they provided her and the amazing nurses at Northern Light Hospice who gave her loving and dignified care. Marget requested that no formal service be held. She also believed strongly that every dog needs a home; therefore, in place of flowers, she asks for a donation to the Norwich terrier rescue fund be made in her name to NTCA Rescue, P.O. Box 190, Littleton, NC 27850-0190.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.