Marilyn Johnson

MARILYN JOHNSON (née Janice Marilyn Heiser) died peacefully at her Generations Senior Living of Berea home, October 19, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born May 1, 1930 to Frank F. and Marie Heiser of North Olmsted, Ohio.

Marilyn graduated from North Olmsted High School in 1948 and Baldwin-Wallace College with a BS in Education in 1952. She was a member of Phi Mu sorority. During her senior year at BW, Marilyn met the love of her life on a blind date. Keith Johnson attended Bowling Green State University and was a member of Phi Epsilon fraternity. Keith had travelled to BW for a fraternity-sorority dance and was to go on a blind date with Marilyn’s roommate. When her roommate fell ill that day, Marilyn stood in for her and went to the dance with Keith. That was the beginning of a 70-year love story. Marilyn and Keith married in 1955.

Marilyn taught first grade at Madison School in Lakewood until she was expecting their first child. A decade later, when both of their children were in elementary school in Canton, Ohio, Marilyn returned to teaching as a substitute and reading specialist in the primary grades.

She was a troop leader for her daughter Susan’s Brownie and Girl Scout troops, and a supporter for years of music lessons, recitals and concerts. She was also an active supporter of her son David’s involvement in Boy Scouts—both Keith and David were Eagle Scouts.

When her family moved to Kent, Ohio in 1973, Marilyn taught for many years in the Kent City Schools. She and Keith were active as Music Boosters for Kent Roosevelt High School and led the concession stand volunteer operations at home football games for several years.

In 2000, Keith and Marilyn moved to Tallmadge where they were active in the Ridgewood Condominium Association and the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge. They joined the Generations Senior Living of Berea community in 2022, and Keith died in February, 2023. Marilyn enjoyed the Generations community and expressed continued appreciation for the kindness and care of the staff; the generous hearts of the residents.

Marilyn is survived by her son, David of Avon; daughter, Susan Van Vorst of Berea; grandchildren, Erin (Ryan) Bilski of North Olmsted and Marcus Carano (Abbie Sommer) of Columbus, along with great grandchildren Austin, Olivia and Evelyn.

Her husband, Keith and sister, Beryl M. Peck preceded her in death.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 2 PM at Lindsay-Crossman

Chapel, Baldwin Wallace University, 56 Seminary Street, Berea, OH.

The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis, 3838 Massillon Road, Suite 360, Uniontown, OH 44685 www.oakclinic.com, or Baldwin Wallace University, Center for Philanthropy, 275 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017, https://www.bw.edu/giving/#give.