"Mrs. Lillie E.[Elgin] Johnson, wife of H.[Harry] D.[Disbrow]. Johnson, of the Studebaker Bros. Manufacturing company and eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Studebaker, passed away Thursday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock at the family residence, 903 East Jefferson street. Her death was caused from diabetes from which she had been a sufferer for a number of years. She was for several months at a sanitarium in Battle Creek, Mich., and from other sources had the advice of the best medical talent of the west and the east. One of Chicago's most eminent physicians some six months ago made a thorough examination of the case and diagnosed its fatal termination. Mrs. Johnson was a great sufferer, but through all her sickness and pain was absolutely uncomplaining. She was taken severely ill on Tuesday and much of the time from then until her death she was unconscious.

Mrs. Johnson's devotion to her family, to her parents and to her friends was ardent and unfailing and she leaves a record for helpfulness and christian character which will be an inspiration to others of the children of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Studebaker, the survivors being Mrs. F. S. Fish and J. M. Studebaker, Jr. Her death makes the first break in many years in the family circle. She was born in South Bend in 1860. Her marriage to Mr. Johnson took place on Sept. 21, 1881. Their children are Harry D. Johnson, Jr., John M., Mary Grace, Willard and Charles.

The funeral will be private and will be held at the residence at 2 o'clock on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Fish, who have been spending the holidays in the east, reached home at noon today. Mr. N. J. Riley, who is in New York, and Mr. W. R. Innis, manager of the New York branch for the Studebaker company, will be present at the funeral."

SOURCE: The South Bend Tribune, Fri. Jan. 4, 1901. Page 5.