Marilyn Johnson

Marilyn Rae Johnson, age 85, of Traverse City passed away while surrounded by her family on July 20, 2023. Marilyn was born on November 7, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Ray and Nellie Bailey. She attended Mackenzie High School before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan in 1959. Marilyn married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Johnson, in 1960 and the two briefly moved to Traverse City the following year. After several years in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Marilyn and Bob returned to Traverse City permanently in 1967. Marilyn’s career in education began at Livonia Public Schools teaching second grade from 1959-61. After moving to Traverse City, she taught first grade at Traverse City Public Schools (1961-62) and later third and fourth grade at the Traverse City State Hospital (1968). When not in the classroom, Marilyn used her teaching skills in service to her community, including in roles as a crisis counselor, babysitting and swimming instructor, Cub Scout and Brownie troop leader, volunteer reading teacher, and more. As a gifted singer and musician, one of Marilyn’s biggest passions was music. She was active in the Barbershop and choral music community, including being a singer, voice coach, and director of the Traverse City Sweet Adelines from 1967-77. Throughout her life, if she wasn’t gracing the stage with a quartet or directing a choir, she was singing, playing the piano, and strumming the guitar in church and at home. Marilyn was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church and was active in many ministries, including choir, food pantry, bible study, and more. She also participated in a variety of committees and volunteered with the office staff. She jokingly referred to herself as a “religious nut” and devoted her free time to studying the Bible and Christianity, exploring her prayer life, and nurturing her personal relationship with Jesus. Marilyn was known for her silly sense of humor and contagious laughter. She loved learning, music, board and card games, cross stitch, and, of course, ice cream. Marilyn is survived by her brother, Thomas Bailey (Ann) of Concord, MA; daughters, Barbara Marsh (Jamie) and Carol Johnson of Traverse City, MI; son, David Johnson (Cindi Packard) of Linden, MI; grandchildren, Lindsay Bott (Tylor), Rob Marsh (Shayna), Sarah Rademacher (Cory), and James Marsh; as well as six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert. The Celebration of Life service will take place on Thursday, August 10 at 2 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Traverse City, MI, with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Marilyn’s memory can be made to Grand Traverse Pavilions and the Father Fred Foundation.

Marilyn Johnson

November 7, 1937 - July 20, 2023