Obituary of Marie Johnson

Marie Johnson began her journey here on March 29, 1945 at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. She was born to Myrtle (Still) and George Hill, Sr. and grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey surrounded by her family. She shared many stories about her time on Locust St. and fond memories of her grandmother Lucy Hill (Jones). Many days were spent playing and walking all over, visiting the local community center and going to parties with siblings, cousins and friends. She and her sister Gladys Hill were especially a handful! Marie was educated in the Moorestown Public School system and later acquired her GED and pursued further education at Rutgers University. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Her home has always been filled with books, newspapers and magazines that she bought, picked up on library trips or traded with friends and family. After starting out on her own as a teenager, early in her adult life, Marie worked at the Office of Economic Opportunity in Camden. Her long-time career was with the United States Postal Service, first, as a mail carrier in Camden and, later, as a postal clerk based in Bellmawr, New Jersey. Day in and out, weekdays and weekends that included many pre-dawn hours, Marie worked alongside many coworkers who became friends including Goona, Rodella, Karen, Kay and Val. Marie’s life exemplified love, faith, dedication and service. She was led to help people in need. She regularly volunteered at church and in the community. Very often, she gave a listening ear, hug or warm smile to so many family members, friends and neighbors. She donated whatever she could – from new clothes and furniture to funds to her much-requested macaroni and cheese. Marie sought to share all that she learned through her life including her faith, offering words of wisdom, perspective and scripture and song verses to lift spirits and encourage others. Marie enjoyed traveling and beautiful places. She visited many local destinations with family and planned trips that carried her throughout North America including a long-desired trip to Alaska with her sister Karen. For these trips and family, church and community events as well as daily life, Marie was usually behind the camera creating a record of big and small moments. Every now and then, we could get her to take a turn in front of the camera or take a quick photo or video of her when she was laughing or enjoying herself. In photos and everyday life, she wanted to make sure she was presentable and instilled that in her children. She sewed and put together beautiful outfits and ironed (with starch and creases) almost everything she put on – and looked good! Marie was preceded in death by her youngest child, Jared E. Johnson, her parents Myrtle and George Hill, Sr., sisters Mildred McCargo and Gladys Hill and brothers George Hill, Jr., William Hill and Rodney Hill. She was a devoted wife of Larry Johnson and loving mother to daughters Cassandra Stewart and Brandi Johnson, son Shelby Chambers, Jr. and stepchildren Larry Johnson, Jr., Terrance Johnson and Pamela Johnson Stark. Marie was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was affectionately called “Mom-mom.” She enjoyed their visits, sleepovers and hugs. Marie is survived by her siblings Bonnie Logan, Karen Green, Kevin Hill, Lucy Hill, Benjamin Hill, Diane Hill and Monica Hopkins, and a host of nieces and nephews, and other dear family and friends including a special aunt, Alice Hill, whom she visited or talked with almost every day. To the end, Marie watched over and looked out for her family. She wanted to have as much time as she could with them and fought through numerous health challenges and pain, surprising many who encountered her through this year with her fortitude, presence and humor. She took her rest on the morning of October 25, 2022, with Brandi and Cassandra at her side lifted by the love and support of so many who have been on this journey with her.