Marvin L. Johnson, Sr.

MARVIN LEONARD JOHNSON, SR., age 91, of Fallston, MD, died on July 27, 2006 at his home. He was born in Garrington, Alberta, Canada on November 9, 1914. He was the son of the late Louis Oscar Johnson and Zula Arvada Kessinger Johnson. He was predeceased by brothers Lorin, Martin, James, and sister Rosella McNee.

The family moved to Harford County from Montana in 1919. After attending one and two room schools in the early years, he graduated from Bel Air High School at age 16 in 1931. During High School he was active on track teams and won a Maryland State sponsored essay contest on the Pacific Peace Pact.

At age 19 he married Marie Magness of Bel Air. They were married for 53 years until her death in January 1987. During his early married years he worked with Curtis Kroh on the produce route. During that time Marvin was the star shortstop for the Kroh Softball team. Soon he found employment with The Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. After reading meters for a short time, he was promoted to Special Investigator. During his tenure at BG&E many customers whose questions and complaints he investigated took the time to write letters or call commending him for his “uncommonly kind, efficient, conscientious, and dependable service.” In 1973 Marvin rescued a woman who had been severely beaten and left on the roadside many miles from her home. He transported her to Harford Memorial Hospital where she recovered. On January 1, 1979 he retired from BG&E after 44 years of service.

From the time he was a young man and until his death, he was an active Christian. He first attended Mountain Christian Church where he was an Elder, a Sunday School Superintendent, and Spiritual Example. In 1983 he was instrumental in establishing Grandview Christian Church where he served as Elder for many years. Members and visitors were deeply touched by his outreach, encouragement, and Christian example.

On October 14, 1989 he married Paula Ray Hart. For almost 17 very happy years they traveled, were involved in church activities, served on the building committee at Grandview, sang in the choir, were active in the Seniors meetings, and Bible study groups.

He is survived by wife, Paula Johnson, three children-E. Ruth Crabb and husband Larry, Marvin L. Johnson, Jr. and wife Victoria, Dennis W. Johnson and wife Melissa, two stepdaughters Martha Jane Hart and Jennifer R. Hart. Seven Grandchildren Gregory Crabb, Gary Crabb, Cynthia Spielman and husband Stacy, Christa Peisinger and husband Al, Derek Johnson, Jared Johnson and Jessica Johnson. Four great-grandchildren, Rachel Crabb, Kristen Crabb, Alexander Spielman, and Nathan Peisinger. A sister Janelle Brown and Brother Rev. Marcus A. Johnson and wife Beaula, and many nephews and nieces.

Those who desire may contribute to Grandview Christian Church, 2022 Fallston Rd.,
Fallston, MD 21047, or to the Hospice of Howard County, 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 433, Columbia, Maryland 21045.