Obituary of Marilyn F Johnson

Marilyn Johnson, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Tuesday after a long illness.

The daughter of Bill and Jewel Fretwell was born Feb. 24, 1931, in Knoxville and attended the University of Tennessee, where the young cheerleader met her future husband, the late Bill Johnson, with the couple marrying on April 18, 1953. 

The young couple soon moved to Montclair, N.J., where they raised seven children and welcomed 10 grandkids who filled their home for countless get-togethers and celebrations across the decades, with their grandmother always front and center for every event with a bright smile, a home-cooked meal and her enduring southern accent.

She became known to the grandchildren as "Maro" -- an enduring nickname bestowed by her first grandchild. 

Marilyn was a die-hard supporter of the Montclair High School girls soccer team, coached by her son Christopher, and volunteered with the Red Cross for 29 years. And she partnered with Bill Johnson to revitalize his Delsaco salads company, with a cole slaw named in her honor.

In addition to her kids and grandkids, she was survived by her brother Bob Fretwell of Knoxville.

A wake is scheduled for Monday at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street Montclair from 4-8 p.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. Tuesday mass of Christian burial at St. Cassian Church, 187 Bellevue Ave. Montclair. For directions and online condolences please visit www.moriartyfh.com  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the York Street Project 89 York Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302  201.451.9838  ysp@yorkstreetproject.org