Marjie Cohen Johnson February 4, 1948 - June 17, 2025

OBITUARY

A Life Well Lived

Marjie Cohen Johnson (born Marjie Clair Cohen) was a caring and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and educator who touched countless lives with her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering compassion. On June 17, 2025, Marjie departed this world after a recurring and courageous battle with breast cancer. Her spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Born on February 4, 1948, on Saint Helena Island, South Carolina, Marjie was the seventh child of Rebecca Evelyn and James Sinclair Cohen. She grew up surrounded by a loving family. She graduated from Saint Helena High School in June 1966 as a Salutatorian and National Merit Scholar, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in social studies from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1970. During her time at Morris Brown, she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., embracing a lifelong sisterhood rooted in service and scholarship. She would go on later to earn a Master's degree as well.

Though Marjie explored many paths in life, her heart was always in education. She served as a dedicated educator at Winter Park High School for over 35 years where she founded the first Minority Student Union and Multi-Cultural Day event. She impacted generations of students with her nurturing spirit, high expectations, and tireless dedication to their success.

Family was the joy of Marjie's life. She was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter, Charrelle, and found renewed purpose and happiness in becoming a grandmother, moving to Maryland to be closer to her beloved grandson, Benjamin, and embracing her role as “Gemma” with great pride, warmth, and love.

Marjie was preceded in death by her husband, Tillmon "John" Johnson; her parents, Rebecca and James Cohen; her sisters, Mary Johnson (Leo) and Sadie Cohen; and her brothers, Jonathan and Leroy Cohen.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and service cherished by: Her daughter, Charrelle Johnson, Her grandson, Benjamin Cohen-Johnson, Her sister, Anna Cohen, Her brothers, Harrison Cohen and Josephus Cohen (Lucinda), and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Her Legacy

Marjie's life was a beautiful testament to the power of love, faith, education, and service. Her memory lives on in every life she influenced and touched.