Marian Martin Johnson

Marian Martin Johnson, 83, of Roanoke, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, April 10, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Rhett Martin, and Gladys Martin Jones; husband, William V. Johnson; and brother, Blygh Martin. Marian was a graduate of Berea High School and Furman University both of Greenville, S.C. She was a lifelong teacher, teaching in Dacusville, S.C., Woodruff, S.C., Charlotte, N.C., and later retired after 15 years of service with the Roanoke City School System. Marian was a lifetime member of Berea Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C., and later a member of Green Ridge Baptist Church in Roanoke. In the past few years she attended Rosalind Hills Baptist Church and more recently attended North Roanoke Baptist Church along with her son and his family. Marian had served as Sunday School teacher and enjoyed working with the children in Vacation Bible School. Marian was a 50 year member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Iota Master Chapter of Roanoke. She was also a member of the Electa Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Surviving are her children, William V. Johnson Jr., and wife, Vanessa, of Clermont, Fla.; daughter, Patty Biggerstaff and husband, Robert, of North Carolina, Timothy Johnson and wife, Melanie, of Roanoke; grandchildren, Bobby Biggerstaff, Jennifer Biggerstaff, and Katie Johnson. The family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or to a charity of the donor's choice. An Eastern Star service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at Simpson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, by Dr. Darryl Crim. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Simpson Funeral Home, 366-0707.