Marsha Grafton Johns

Obituary of Marsha Grafton Johns
Marsha Grafton Johns, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was surrounded by her loving family in her final days before passing away at age 78 on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Gulf Breeze, FL.
Marsha is survived by her husband Richard "Dick" Johns of Gulf Breeze, FL; son Bradley Anderson (Elizabeth) of San Diego, CA; daughter Laura Brummer (Travis) of Gulf Breeze, FL; three grandchildren: Chloe Mackaman (Owen), Allison Brummer, and Drew Brummer; future son-in-law John Brady Morris; brother Arlo Grafton (Marilyn); sister Melinda Crouch (Larry); nephews Dallas Grafton and Jeff Crouch (Heather); and niece Leslie McCaslin (Tom).
Born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 19, 1946, to the late Harlan and Gether Grafton, Marsha graduated from Omaha North High School and attended what was then Omaha University (now UNO) majoring in journalism. Marsha began her career in Omaha in 1971 in public relations at Richard Young Behavioral Health Hospital and then at Archbishop Bergan-Mercy Hospital.
Her skill in public relations, particularly in the field of health care, grew into a desire to be her own boss. She opened her own advertising firm, Grafton Johns and Company (eventually Ellis and Johns), in Omaha and began what would be a decade-long career in advertising, art direction, producing, and, her true love, writing.
Marsha received recognition from countless local, national, and international organizations for television, print, radio, and billboard campaigns throughout the years. She eventually took her talents to Boys Town National Research Hospital, becoming their first female Director of Marketing. Marsha's talent didn't end there, she also dabbled in screenwriting. Her first ever screenplay "The Agreement" was one of five scripts chosen from 1,000 submissions to be performed by professional actors at the 1990 Hudson Valley Film Festival in New York. With class and grace, she was a true pioneer, breaking many a glass ceiling for professional women in her field.
After retiring, Marsha and Dick moved to Gulf Breeze, FL to be near their grandchildren and enjoy their retirement in the Florida sunshine. Marsha had always loved the water, cherishing summers with her family on Lake Manawa and Lake Okoboji, IA in her earlier years. In her later years, she found peace in simple pleasures like floating in her pool, going out to Sunday brunch, people-watching, sitting with her little dog Cooper, and enjoying her view of Pensacola Bay. She was always a passionate reader and history enthusiast, even after retirement, and she loved playing spelling bee games and watching world news to keep her mind sharp. Marsha was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to talk about their accomplishments. She remained active until the very end, with her most recent work being a series of television scripts she completed in October.
Marsha will be remembered for her sharp wit, unwavering dedication to her work, and the love she shared with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her memory will live on through the lives she inspired and the stories she shared.
A memorial service in Marsha's honor will be held Thursday, March 6th at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 920 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL at 11 am. A luncheon reception will follow at the Pensacola Beach Elks Lodge, 661 Pensacola Beach Blvd, Pensacola Beach, FL starting at 12:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church.
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