Marilyn Johnson Grimes was born on May 14, 1946 to the parentage of Mr. Marvin and the late Mrs. Eria O. Johnson. At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and became a member of New Hope Baptist Church. She transcended from her earthly vessel into a life of everlasting peace with her savior Jesus Christ on May 18, 2010.
Educated in the Macon County Public School System, Marilyn graduated salutatorian from D.F. Douglas High School in 1964. She continued her education at Fort Valley State College, where she was an honor student and an active member of the Fort Valley State College marching band and concert choir. Although a shy and reserved woman, Marilyn was voted “Miss Charm” 1967 and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Delta Kappa Gamma National Honor Society. An accomplished and prolific musician, Marilyn mastered the bells, piano and harp. She would use her extensive knowledge of and passion for music and education in a teaching career that spanned 38 years.
As a steadfast and dedicated servant of God, Marilyn functioned at her church, the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia as Sunday School pianist and teacher, instructor of the New Members courses and choir director. She was also a member of the New Hope Baptist Church Young Women’s Missionary Society. Her diligent service extended from a sincere desire to help all she came in contact with.
Marilyn was united in holy matrimony to the late Mr. Aaron Grimes of Atlanta, Georgia. Together, the two enjoyed a 36 year marriage marked with laughter, love and dedication. She leaves to continue her legacy two sons, Justin Grimes, and Joshua Bartholomew Grimes. Preceding her in death is her brother, Louis Johnson. Those left behind to cherish her memory and celebrate her life and works are her father, Mr. Marvin Johnson, Montezuma, Georgia, her sisters, Mrs. Mazarena (Charles) Allen, Montezuma, Georgia, Mrs. Carolyn (Carl) Israel, Montezuma, Georgia, and her brother, Mr. Carroll (Stephanie) Johnson, Warner Robins, Georgia, one sister in law Barbara Johnson, Jupiter, Florida her aunts, Mollye O. Hankerson, Oglethorpe, Georgia, Rosetta O. Harmon, Cincinnati, Ohio, Alberta Odom, Montezuma, Georgia, Blanche Rogers, Chicago, Illinois, Minnie Irene Johnson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Beatrice Maddox, Fort Valley, Georgia, her uncles, Willie James (Norma) Odom Montezuma, Georgia, and James Johnson, Chicago, Illinois, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.
