Nels Kelzig and Julia Olson form a union to conceive,
The most beautiful children a couple could receive.
Eugene, Marion, Norma, Doris and Lois.
Join the other son Lyle to fill out the chorus.

The Johnson’s they become, on a Jackson farm.
Doris learns to love, it can’t do no harm.
Nels came from Norway, when he was only two.
His memories are of America, his homeland anew.

He and Julia create a home, a haven, a warm nest.
Doris learns what’s right what’s wrong, what’s best.
She feels joy, some pain, from siblings a warm shove.
As an infant, embraced, she begins a life of love.

Doris learns about food, to grow and to cook.
She learns to sew, how to dress, how to look.
All grow up in the church, Gene ends up out west.
Marion goes on a mission, leaves home and the rest.

Norma and Lois stay around town, with Doris nearby.
The three sisters can always call, or stop by and say "Hi."
Doris and "Mac" bring into the world, a healthy brood of six.
Mac earns a good living, mastering whatever he picks.

Holidays together, family picnics and parties abound.
The next generation becomes cousins, family all around.
God listens to our prayers, leads us from up above.
Doris, our mother, ever wise in the years of her love.

Our mother would bandage, kiss the hurt, after a fall.
With her at our side, we needn’t worry about anything at all.
At night, she scared away the shadows, was always a light.
When down, she’ll lift ya, when wrong, she’ll set you right.

She was always a champion of every task, every chore.
She made you feel special, we couldn’t ask for more.
She may not always be perfect, but always does her best.
She is liked by most people, and she tolerates the rest.

Whether it be a round of cards, a cold drink or a fun game.
She laughs, she cries, and she loves it all the same.
Doris Johnson was born to grow, to give, and to enjoy.
She‘s 80 years of unconditional love to this here boy.