Honoring Marjorie Johnson: A 101-Year Journey of Love and Dedication

Marjorie Evelyn Johnson, who lived a remarkable 101 years, passed away on September 5, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born on January 7, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to Barbadian immigrants William and Kathleen Blackman, Marjorie was an only child steeped in a rich Caribbean cultural atmosphere.Her father, an adept cobbler, navigated the challenges of the Great Depression, while her mother creatively crafted Marjorie's clothing. The family thrived, eventually securing a lovely brownstone and engaging in real estate during the 1940s.Marjorie's academic journey commenced in integrated schools and culminated at Hunter College, where she earned a history degree in 1946. There, she met Army lieutenant Vernon Johnson and wed him in 1948. Her time in Cincinnati exposed her to the stark realities of Jim Crow, yet she achieved a satisfying government career that lasted over 40 years.Marjorie's legacy persists through her sons and grandchildren. A graveside service is scheduled for September 29 at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. Donations in her name can be made to the Friends of the James Weldon Johnson Library.