JOHNSON

MARIETTA D. JOHNSON

Etta Johnson passed away at her home in Vienna, Virginia on January 25, 2023, surrounded by her family. Marietta Deutsch was born in 1932 in Vienna Austria to Alexander and Elsa Deutsch.

Etta and her sister Trixi escaped to England on the Kindertransport, surviving the Holocaust -- their grandmother perished at Auschwitz. Elsa and her daughters settled in Bat Cave, NC. Etta went to Duke University where she met Jim Lee. They married and had four children. Etta received her Master's degree in ESOL at GW University and taught in Arlington Public Schools for 25 years. She was a teacher, curriculum developer, mentor, author, artist, and matriarch.

Etta married Hal Johnson in 1977; she dearly loved Hal and his four children.

Survived by her four children, Gina Parr (Rex), Marney Jacobs (Philip), Don Lee (Barbara) and Elizabeth Borst (Charlie); four stepchildren, Beth Johnson, Patti Patton, Michael Johnson (MaryAnn), and Mary Kay Bills (Gary); her grandchildren: Adam Parr (Dahna); Katherine Khalatbari (Bruce), Laura, Alex, and Samantha Jacobs, Christina Mehling (Sebastian), John, and James (Stephanie) Lee, and Lisa and Emily Borst, Amanda Fisher, Jeff Johnson, Ryan and Jamie Claar and Andrew Patton (Haley). 11 great grandchildren, Caring nieces and nephews, many dear friends and the beloved Amin family.

Predeceased by her Parents, Alexander Deutsch, Elsa Deutsch; dear sister, Elisabeth Siddiqui, aunt, Lisa Elfer; beloved husband, Hal Johnson and first husband, Jim Lee.

Burial private; a celebration of her life will be held at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton, VA at 11 a.m., February 11, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Preschoolers Plus Parents, Inc. (preschoolersplusparents.org) or a worthy cause of your choice.

Online guestbook is available at

www.moneyandking.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 29, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Marietta Johnson

12 Entries

Dr. Marjorie L. Myers

January 23, 2026

Etta... can´t believe you have been watching over us for three years. You are still missed. Hugs from the Earth

Cecilia Herrera

January 26, 2024

Always remember Etta for her kindness, her wisdom, her care for the community and much more. Rest in Peace Etta.
Cecilia

Christina Smith

February 10, 2023

As an Arlington EL teacher I owe a debt of gratitude to Etta for her creative work with and for English Learners. May her legacy serve as a monument to her character and dedication.

Dr. Marjorie L Myers

February 10, 2023

Etta... in so many ways you gave and gave to the young children of Arlington and probably many other areas. You will be sorely missed. Your legacy will live on.
Marjorie Myers EdD

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Ilene Feirman

February 8, 2023

I have been privileged to know Etta for about ten years although it seemed like we had known each other always. She epitomized the word "friend" and listened and tried to help when you needed someone close. We shared a love of plants, the outdoors and birds as well as things handmade. Warm memories of tea time with Etta, her home and her heart a refuge, will always be with me. I miss her so.

Natalie Martin

February 3, 2023

My sympathy to Etta´s loved ones.
May her memory sustain you for now and forever.
Etta leaves a stellar legacy.
She gave so many of her gifts to the staff, students and ESOL-HILT community.
Her commitment to make the world a better place through her creative teaching, mentoring of many and continual contributions is truly remarkable.
I had the privilege of her training and support.
She had time for me and so many others.
Hers was truly a life of giving.
Now, may she Rest In Peace and be with those who went before her.
Gone, but not forgotten.
A job well done.
Thanks, Etta.
Love,
Natalie

Cecilia Herrera

February 2, 2023

Etta you will always be remembered as an extraordinary woman of such big heart and care for people; a woman with so many talents who was always creating something new. You are a great inspiration for me. You will be missed. Cecilia Herrera

Pat Nomina Scherago

January 31, 2023

Etta made the world a better place for all!!! She was always mindful, empathetic and inspiring. It was an honor to have known and worked with her.

Marty Maher

January 30, 2023

Etta served as the Arlington County Public Schools Teacher Specialist for ESOL/HILT for many years. She was a visionary, a mentor and a friend to all of us who worked with her over the years. She was an exemplar of life-long-learning and being a contributor to the community and families in need of support for educating their children long after her official retirement. We treasure our memories of the time we had to be in her company and to be influenced by her spirit and commitment to making the world a better place for all.

Francesca Reilly-McDonnell

January 29, 2023

I met Eiia as soon as I started working in ESOL/HILT. Etta was generous with her time helping me to write a long and complicated grant to obtain services for ESL students with learning challenges. Kathy Panfil worked with myself, Emma's and Etta. To our great joy we got a five year grant to provide extra services - especially for ESL Students with learning issues. With Etta's encouragement and work we improved our detailed grant writing. Etta always worked in great detail and yet maintained a sense of humor throughout! What a great and very productive educator and person!

Bill Thatcher

January 29, 2023

Wonderful memories of being at Etta's home for parties, and our Monday meetings at the support group. Great fellowship and sharing mutual beliefs. The void is painfully difficult. Prayers and support for the family.

Andrea Harvey

January 29, 2023

We have lost a brilliant educator and mentor, who was motivated by the desire to make life better for others. How blessed are those who knew her. Sending peace and comfort to Etta´s family.

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