Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson

Passed 10/21/2024

Marie Goodman Johnson was an American actor, singer, and educator born on October 16, 1929. Her adoptive parents, Fred and Florence Goodman, named her Florence Marie Goodman. Marie accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of First Baptist Church of South Richmond in 1937 under the leadership of Dr. W. L. Ransom. She attended Armstrong High School and continued her studies at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.

In 1962, Marie helped to break the color barrier as a member of the first contingent of African-American teachers assigned to Richmond's William Fox Elementary, a previously all-white school. From 1961 to her retirement in 1991, she taught at John Marshall High School. She continued her own education with studies at Columbia University's Teachers College, the University of Virginia, and the College of William and Mary. Although her main subjects were Music and Speech, Marie took pride in teaching the highest standards of citizenship to her students and instilling in them a deep appreciation for the civic virtues of "manners, respect, and personal hygiene."

In her non-school hours, Marie’s mezzo-soprano voice made her a much sought-after soloist at a number of Richmond churches. As she became use to public performance, she discovered she also had a talent for acting. For a black woman, theatrical opportunities were limited. Still, her combined singing and acting talents secured her place as the first African-American in the cast of Paul Green (playwright) / The Common Glory, the annual patriotic pageant in Williamsburg VA. She made early appearances at the Barter Theater in Abingdon and Swift Creek Mill Theater in Colonial Heights. Her acting career led her to perform in major regional theatres including the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, Tanglewood Barn Theatre, Winston Salem, North Carolina, Alabama Shakespeare Theatre in Montgomery and Caux Theatre, Caux Switzerland.

Marie has received six Phoebe awards from Richmond Newspapers for Best Actress of the Year. They include “Purlie”, “A Raisin In The Sun”, The Member of the Wedding”, “The Amen Corner”, “Night Mother”, and her performance as Bessie Delaney in “Having Our Say”. In Marie’s theatrical career, she performed 32 performances.

Audiences, students, colleagues, parishioners, artists, neighbors, family and friends will never forget the remarkable artist, transformative teacher, and loving friend, a nonpareil personality who enriched our lives in so many ways and leaves a void that no one else can possibly begin to fill.

In 1966, Marie received her most precious gift by adopting Kelley Allyson Hunter.

On July 15, 2018, Marie married Andrew Blair Johnson and she was a proud and dedicated wife. Mr. Johnson preceded her in death on January 8, 2021.

She is survived by a loving daughter, Kelley (Richard) Williams; Tiana, granddaughter - her precious Angel, Herbert S. Jones, a former John Marshall High School student and devoted friend. Her extended family, Calcine Harris and Valerie Harris-Jones; nieces, Kyle Jones; nephew, Michael Jones, Betty Brewer, Kim Brewer, Tony Brewer, Audree Brewer; godchild, extended cousins and a host of many friends.

Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. followed by a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega service in Scott’s Chapel at 5:30 p.m. and where the family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, October 31 at First Baptist Church, 1501 Decatur Street. Dr. Dwight C. Jones, officiating. Interment Maury Cemetery.