Marilyn Johnson-Bermudez

Obituary For Marilyn Johnson-Bermudez

This obituary is lovingly submitted to honor the life and legacy of Marilyn Jean Bermudez (nee Johnson). Marilyn, the eldest of three daughters, was born on August 29, 1950, in Harlem, NY to Marilyn Slater-Johnson and Rudolph Johnson. In 1963 the Johnson family moved to Englewood, NJ, where Marilyn later graduated from Dwight Morrow High School. Marilyn was blessed with a devoted son, Robert (Tony) Johnson, and a beautiful daughter, Shevonne Johnson. She also shared a loving, happy marriage with Raphael Bermudez. Marilyn’s family and loved ones cherished her as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, and friend. Marilyn relocated her family to Pennsylvania where she was popular for her altruism, generosity, and a fervor for unifying family and friends. Marilyn was our connector – the resilient yarn that interlaced us together. She was our purest and most exemplary embodiment of strength for her family, her community, and her people. Marilyn was tenacious and undaunted, even when faced with the most unconventional challenges of women of her generation. Among her distinctive occupational positions was her employment at the infamous Allegheny Ludlum Steel Mills. There were no boring days cooped up in an office for Marilyn! She mastered every maledominated position at the mill - in her hard hat, protective eyewear, and steel-toed shoes! In the late 80s, Marilyn’s spirit of wanderlust motivated her to relocate to Palm Coast Florida. After earning certification as a Correction Officer at Daytona Beach Community College, she boldly began a career with the Flagler County Department of Corrections. She continued as an officer in several counties for 20 years before retiring from the Putnam County Department of Corrections. Yet, even as a retiree, Marilyn returned to community service as a crossing guard for the Flagler County Sherriff’s Department. Obituary Marilyn Johnson Bermudez A U G U S T 2 9 , 1 9 5 0 - A P R I L 8 , 2 0 2 4 Marilyn was beloved for being kindhearted, generous, and fun-loving. She enjoyed several pastimes, such as family get-togethers, keeping up with her favorite documentaries, chatting on the phone, and reading the latest books and articles. Marilyn will be long remembered for her eager willingness to help others. Her giving spirit was boundless, and her hospitality was legendary. With arms wide open, she would joyously welcome everyone into her home where she maintained a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests felt cherished and pampered. Her unrelenting benevolence left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Marilyn’s Godson, Joshua Thompson, lives the testament to her altruism. When Joshua lost his mother, Marilyn readily consented to Joshua’s grandmother’s request for Marilyn to be his legal guardian. From that day forward, she lived and performed that trusted role of unconditional parental love, as she raised Joshua as her very own son. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Raphael Bermudez and her parents, Marilyn and Rudolph Johnson. Marilyn is mourned by her children, Robert Johnson Sr. (Nathalie), and Shevonne Johnson-Cooke, and Godson Joshua Thompson; sisters Jewel Johnson McKee (Robert), Renee Johnson Warren (Phillip), and Mala Cruz. Marilyn’s grieving grandchildren include Lorne Brookins, Jr., Robert Johnson Jr., Nevieh Johnson-Brookins, Nyla Johnson-Brookins, Jordyn Johnson, and Kayla Johnson. Her bereaved nieces are Yvonne Johnson Harris, Tracey Johnson Olulenu (Edward), Ashley Warren, Raina Warren, Amanda Simon, and Elliott Rhodes. She leaves to mourn the following great-nieces and great-nephews: Ashya Porter, Amir Porter, Sitry Jordan, Justin Olulenu, and Kyle Olulenu; and great-great nephews Amari Wright and Aston Porter. Marilyn Jean Bermudez also leaves a host of bereaved cousins, relatives, friends, and neighbors who will long remember her fondly. We all loved Marilyn, but God loved her best. Let us carry forward her legacy of love, generosity, and authenticity. Though she no longer walks among us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her grace and kindness. May the spirit of Marilyn Johnson Bermudez rest in peace and her memory be a blessing from generation to generation.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, April 20, at Chruch on The Rock in Bunnell, Florida. Viewing will be held 1 hour before the service.