Marilyn Elise Johnson

Marilyn “Memaw” Elise Johnson was born in Oak Park, Illinois on August 15, 1957, to Edward James Johnson and Doris (Roby) Johnson.

Marilyn received her elementary and high school education from the Chicago Public School system. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado Technical College.

On January 1, 1979, Marilyn gave birth to a baby girl and best friend, Leslie LaVon.

Marilyn moved to Indianapolis in 2017 to be with family and gained a host of special friends.

Marilyn was a caring mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, art, and loved watching movies.

Marilyn had a passionate love affair with music, especially the genres of Jazz and R&B. She played the piano and violin and was a skilled acoustic guitar player. As a teenager, she was one of the founding members of a band called Phase 3.

Marilyn attended Tuxedo Park Baptist Church and worked for Daimler Trucks North America, where she gained a second family.

Marilyn passed away on April 3, 2022, at the age of 64 after her courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones. She leaves to cherish in her memories her daughter Leslie LaVon Smith (Eddie), eight grandchildren: Ariel, Eddie Jr., Elijah, Justin, Eyan, Essence, Evan, and Eythan, and great grandson Amari.  She also leaves a host of special friends.

Marilyn will be honored in a celebration of life service on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Tuxedo Park Baptist Church, 29 North Grant Avenue, Indianapolis, IN. Gathering at 1 p.m., and celebration of life at 2 p.m.