Marilyn Moret Johnson

Marilyn Moret Johnson, 59-year resident of Tallahassee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 15. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on the 14th of July, 1928. She was a blessing to all who knew her. Marilyn grew up in New Orleans, the city where she met and married Milton Swayze Johnson, Jr. at the close of World War II. They were married for 62 years. As a young wife and mother, she established life roots in Tallahassee, the city that became her long-term home. There she found happiness and fulfillment. When asked about her greatest accomplishments, she consistently pronounced it was her three children, Carol, Gail and Milton. She also found great gratification in caring for her beloved dogs: Pax, Poulette, Poupette and Morgan. “Mere” as she was known to many, liked to volunteer. She served as a Gray Lady at Trinity Catholic School (formerly Blessed Sacrament); Docent at the Governor’s Mansion and contributed to the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. She was also a member of the Killearn Ladies Club and the Tallahassee Town Club. She was employed on several occasions, treasuring her tenure as a 15-year founding employee of Lincoln High School as administrative assistant to two principals, Doug Frick and Senator Bill Montford, then later as an amendment proofreader for the Clerk of the Florida House of Representatives. One of her greatest life enjoyments was reading. Never was she without a book in hand. She participated as a member of one of the first book clubs established in Tallahassee and recently participated as a member of the Book Broads Book Club. Her favorite book was, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. She enjoyed cross-word puzzles, music, and dancing. She was an accomplished dance partner to husband Milt, who together, wooed audience applause with their jitter-bug. Marilyn enjoyed hosting friends at home including bridge night and afternoon BBQ parties. She was an avid fan of FSU football; and with family and friends, enjoyed many game-day tailgates. Marilyn was a woman of great wisdom and grace who had an abundance of time and energy to give to her family and friends. She loved each one with a unique and magical touch. She cherished her family. No one will ever fill the special place she held in the hearts of those who loved her. She never forgot a birthday and was always ready to offer positive encouragement and support. She was a caring, kind and gracious lady who lived her life with passion and goodness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Johnson; her sister, Olga Burgess; and her brother James Moret. She is survived by her daughters, Carol McKee of Tampa and Gail (Kit) Moffatt,; and son, Milton (Laura) Johnson III; her grandchildren, John (Donna) Palomino; Brie (Adam) Hertz; Lynette (Rick) Russell; Boo (Stephanie) Suber; Josh Suber; Kyle (Warren) Smith; Sara Kate Johnson; Mary Parker Johnson; brother Edward (Virginia) Moret and many beloved extended family of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her family is especially grateful for the loving care she received at Centre Pointe Health and Rehabilitation Center and the Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19th at Bevis Funeral Home from 6—8 pm, and a Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Friday, May 20th at 3:00 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leon County Humane Society or Big Bend Hospice. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Marilyn Moret Johnson

July 14, 1928 - May 15, 2016