Marie Davis Johnson

It is with great sadness, yet much gratitude for her life, that we share with our friends and community that our precious Mom stepped into eternity and joined Dad in heaven on August 30, 2025. Born on April 20,1933 in Bristol, Virginia to James Roy and Maude A. Davis, Marie was the 6th of 8 siblings and the youngest daughter. She was known for her happy, cheerful, and encouraging disposition. As a Virginia High Bearcat, she participated in a variety of activities: varsity cheerleader, drama club, chorus, and class officer.
While in high school, Marie met the love of her life, Bob Johnson from Tennessee High, on Bristol's downtown State Street. Both were members of their respective high school choruses and fierce cross-town prep rivals. Much to the surprise of their families, they eloped on February 23, 1953.
That same year Marie and Bob followed his parents to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It is here within a six-year period that their five children were born. Education, music and spiritual development were the hallmarks of their home. Marie chauffeured them around town to every imaginable event: music lessons, concerts and other school activities. After their oldest children left for college, she made the decision to enroll at UT where she attained senior status in education, amassing almost all of the credits needed for a degree except student teaching. After 40+ years in Oak Ridge, she and Bob moved to Farragut.
Marie was an excellent swimmer. While her children were toddlers, she earned her Red Cross lifeguard certification. That skill served her well for over 15 years at large church summer camps attended by kids from around the state – all this with her own five in tow.
While devoted to her children, Marie absolutely adored her nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her grown kids quickly learned that if Mom was miffed at them, all that was needed was to send in a grandchild to "run interference" and all would be well. A born nurturer, she was gifted with young children. They were drawn to her sweet spirit. The grandchildren who lived nearby were early enrollees of her structured pre- and after-school activities, humorously labeled by her children as "Wowo University." All quickly became "pros" at math and reading flash cards as well as music and nature studies. Marie loved to take her grandchildren exploring in the woods behind their Oak Ridge home or to pack a picnic lunch and head to Cades Cove. Between her and hiking friend Alice Noggle, there was not a plant in East Tennessee that they could not identify.
Marie enjoyed traveling with Bob to the American Southwest, California, Pacific Northwest, and the Canadian Rockies. Some of those excursions included grandsons, aka "Buddy Trips" or granddaughters, aka "Sweetheart Trips." Later she would travel with her dear friends Peggy Holder and Louise Stieg – affectionately known among the family as "the fun girls." Having an array of beautiful clothes curated in consultation with her three daughters allowed her to "dress to the nines" for any occasion. Her favorite fashion motif was anything with leopard print, including house shoes. Despite the abundance of choices, if she was going anywhere special, she would experience momentary panic and exclaim, "But I have nothing to wear!" whereupon one of her daughters would come and coordinate her outfits, each with appropriate purse/shoe combo. Devotion to her family was evidenced by love, generosity and sacrifice. She would not sit down to eat until she was assured that everyone had all they needed or wanted. Her fried chicken, chicken & dumplings, mashed potatoes, biscuits and milk gravy were to die for.
Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband and faithful ministry partner of 39 years, Bob L. Johnson, Sr., granddaughter Audrey Elizabeth Johnson, four older sisters and two brothers. Surviving family includes children: Susie Carden, Bob L. Johnson Jr. (Carol), Janie Dorman (Steve), Lorie Hickey (John), and Ben Johnson (DeAnne). Grandchildren: BJ Johnson (Kristy) of Cincinnati, OH; Steve Michael Dorman, Jr. (Julie) of Jacksonville, FL; Katie Marie Johnson MacKenzie (Peter) of Atlanta, GA; Rachel Marie Dorman of Jacksonville, FL; Will Carden of Washington, DC; Samuel Carden (Annamarie) of Nashville, TN; Timothy Dorman of Dallas, TX; and Caroline Johnson of Lenoir City, TN. Great-grandchildren: Luke, Eli and Charlotte Rose Johnson; Trip, Nash and Bennett Jayne Dorman; and Elizabeth, Lucy, and Margaret "Winnie" MacKenzie; brother Frank Davis of Maryville, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
Marie leaves behind numerous fond memories that will comfort our family for years to come. Most importantly, she and Bob leave to us a rich legacy of faith. As a long-time member of the Church of God and Maranatha Fellowship, her dedication to the Kingdom was evident in all that she did. Her potent intercessory prayer and support will be greatly missed. We bless and honor her memory, celebrate her life, and realize that along with Dad and Audrey, she is in our future.
The family is grateful to her caregivers Pam Moore and LuAnn Barron of Mae's Home Care, and to her special friend Pam Hamby. We also express deep gratitude to Pastor Tommy and Janice Patterson for their many years of love and care for our family.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 5:00 ~ 7:00 PM at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday September 6th, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maranatha Church of the Harvest World Missions at 15301 Highway 11E, Lenoir City TN 37772