Hope` (Johnson) Mackelprang

Hope Johnson Mackelprang

22 June 1964 to 6 March 2022

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother, Hope Johnson Mackelprang. Hope was born on June 22,1964 in Holbrook AZ to Glen Ferris Johnson and Brenda Gardner. She passed away on March 6,2022 at her home in Pittsboro NC, surrounded by family and friends, at age 57.

Hope met her husband Mark when she was 18 years old, during the Young Single Adult institute opening social at Arizona State University. After Mark returned from his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Taiwan, they were married in the Arizona Temple in Mesa AZ in October 1985. Hope was a faithful and devout member of the church and served in many different callings throughout her life. After Hope and Mark were married, they lived in Tempe AZ, Tucson AZ, Cary NC, and finally settled in Pittsboro NC. Mark developed software and Hope was a great support to him in all ways. They loved being together, and led a happy, busy life while raising their four children. Hope loved her family more than anything else, and worked tirelessly to show them that love. She was a very giving mother, and taught her children to work hard and do well in everything they did. She was always so proud and supportive of them. And as much as she loved her children, she adored her grandchildren.  She loved reading to them, playing with them, tickling them, and frankly, doing anything with them. Hope had an amazing testimony of the reality of a living Jesus Christ and of His gospel.  She freely shared that testimony by word and deed with everyone, but particularly with her family. She was kind to all, and had a quick smile and friendly conversation ready for everyone she met.

In 2018, Hope was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, and has been fighting against the disease since then. Even though it was clear the disease was terminal, Hope chose to live every moment joyfully rather than wasting time mourning the unfairness of having cancer. Her positive attitude made being around her a breath of fresh air, even though she was very sick, and she worked hard throughout her battle to make sure cancer was not her defining trait. Since her diagnosis, Hope traveled and saw the world as much as possible. She spent a couple weeks in Europe, visiting many beautiful places. She visited several beautiful parks and areas in southern Utah, including Bryce Canyon and Wire Pass Gap. And in February 2022, visited the beautiful country of Costa Rica, where she loved seeing the forests, sloths, toucans, and monkeys. Even though her cancer slowed Hope down over time, we enjoyed walking and talking on the beach, just three weeks before she passed away.

Hope entered hospice care on March 4, but decided it wasn’t for her, and left this world. We were so sad to see Hope go, but are so relieved her suffering was short. She was the embodiment of grace, patience, and kindness, and lived a life worth remembering. Farewell, sweet Hope, for we will see you in the stars and meet you again in the world to come.

Hope was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Miles Cousins. She is survived by her four children: Richard (Kayla) Mackelprang, Leah (Matthew) Watkins, Jenna (Cade) Cousins, and Joshua Mackelprang, along with five grandchildren -- Melody Mackelprang, Jonathan Watkins, Elizabeth Watkins, William Watkins, and Aurora Cousins.

The family would like to thank Claire Dees, Clarissa Urban, and all the staff at the UNC Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill NC for the medical assistance they provided. In lieu of flowers, we request memorial contributions be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Checks may be made payable to UNC Health Foundation with your Hope's name in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to the following address:

UNC Health Foundation

Attn: UNC Lineberger

PO Box 1050

Chapel Hill, NC 27514