Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson

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.

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To know Marie as a long time friend is a treasured memory. She was a refined lady with great culture. She leaves a wonderful legacy Elizabeth Lambert Johns

Although I was not in the choir at John Marshall, I loved Ms. Hunter. We had a ball when we where putting on our yearly musicals. I was in the orchestra. She will be thoroughly missed, but Heaven has gained a phenomenal woman. ❤️

To Kelly and family, may the love of God and the gift of time bring comfort and healing through the loss you are feeling now. I knew your mom, "The Divine Miz M", as a former student, a coworker in RPS, and as a friend. She was an outstanding teacher and a celebrated artist who has passed the "torch" to so many on her journey through life. I send heartfelt sympathy and caring prayers for you and your family. Dennis Winston

I know Ms. Marie is with GOD'S blessed angels🕊️🕊️🕊️ right now just SINGING her heart out. KELLY, it's been years but I wanted to let you know that I've never forgotten Ms. Marie or you since we lived on CHICAGO AVE. so many years ago. I was Sandra Jackson (Sawn) then but my "BIG MOMMA" (Ms. Nancy Jackson), MOM and all of the Jacksons knew your Mom very well and they ADORED her.🩷Those days of us being "kids" and sharing toys and joy have passed like everything in life does but as you said so BEAUTIFULLY on CBS 6, your MOM is a LEGEND and she will "NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"!!! SING MS. MARIE🕊️🕊️🕊️ forever with my BIG MOMMA and all of my fam there with you. BLESS YOU and yours, Kelly🙏🏽 Sincerely Sandra and Carolyn Jackson💖

R. I. P. Marie was a long time friend to Sam and I as well as a co-worker. I can vision her now as she sanged at our wedding. Deepest sympathy to Kelly and the entire family during these difficult days. I ask that God grant you all the needed peace and comfort that is needed.

I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to Kelly & family.May you rest in peace Marie Goodman Hunter Respectfully, Terry Harris, JMHS 2978 Former Student

Mrs. Hunter was a wonderful teacher and person. She pulled your talents out of you and guided your direction along the right path. May she rest in heavenly peace. Patricia Miller Gaines Thomas

To the family of Ms. Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson. My deepest sincere sympathy. I saw the news on CBS 6 about her passing away. I am very sorry for your loss. She will be missed very much by everyone who knew her and loved her. May God Bless you all. With love, David Shaw Richmond, Virginia.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers, for the family of Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson.

My sincere condolences to Kelly and your family. I will always remember the good times we had with Mrs. Marie. She always showed us love and taught us how to respect ourselves and others. Rest in Heavenly Peace 💖

Mrs. Johnson was My Choir teacher from 1972-1976 at John Marshall H.S. She was a Wonderful teacher and friend to Me. She will be Greatly missed. My Prayer's go out to the entire Family! God Bless You All through this time of bereavement.
Raymond Elmore JMHS Class of '76

Keeping the Family in prayer. Mrs. Marie was our first piano teacher. My sister the late Veronica F. Strane and I traveled from Chesterfield to Richmond because our parents wanted the best teacher. Over 71 years ago we made that memorable trip. May the good LORD BLESS and KEEP you...Maureen F. Clark

Kelly, My husband Anthony and I would like to express our condolences to you and your family. Your mother will be remembered and missed by many. I hope that it will give you peace to know she is now resting in heaven with her God. She was always so kind and had many encouraging words to give when I saw her. May God bless you and keep his loving arms around you. Your Cousin, Gwen Williams Taylor.

I would like to say rest in perfect peace to a wonderful chorus teacher and mentor affectionately known as Ms Shelton. I will never forget the last song sang at graduation Class of 86. "We Leave You With A Smile". Donna Morris Johnson

Rest In Peace dear Marie aka "The Divine Miz M" In Sympathy, Thomas & Shelia Shaw

We offer our deepest sympathy on the passing of Marie. She was a talented actress, vocalist & educator.I will cherish the times I shared the stage woth Marie at the now defunct VA Museum Theater years ago. May God surround Kelly, the family & all who loved her with peace, comfort & strength during this most difficult time. Rest In Peace "The Devine Miz M." Thank you for sharimg your talent.

Mrs. Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson (Mrs. Shelton, as I've always affectionately called her), was one of my absolute favorite teachers of all times. From 1984-1989, I got to be spoiled by her, as one of her choral students at John Marshall High School. She took me under her wing, and was like a second mom to me, and I absolutely loved her.
Kelly, my sincerest condolences to you, and may God saturate you with His unending love, peace, and comfort today, and in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. Your mom loved you, and made it known to everyone that you were her heart.
Although we haven't seen each other in quite a while, I have, and always will have much love for you too as my BIG sister.
Love always,
Amanda "Massenburg" Montague

I will always remember Marie, I met her many years ago when she was a student at Virginia State University. My cousin, James Wade, was also a student at VSU, and he asked her to come home to sing at our grandmothers funeral. Boy what a concert, she was a singing bird, May God Bless Marie.
Kitty Miller & Family

I honor Ms. Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson. She was my high school music teacher at Marshall-Walker High. She was a woman that expected nothing but excellence from her students and that's what she received. She brought out the best in us while instilling discipline for our craft. She put her all into everything she did knowing that she would make an impact on the youth of VA. She is a staple in our city and it was my honor to be her student. Kelly my deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family. You were the very heartbeat of your mom and she was extremely proud of you. She will be truly missed.

My deepest condolences to her daughter Kelly and her family for the passing of your mother Marie Goodman Hunter Johnson may God give you peace comfort and strength during this difficult time I will keep you all in prayer I Knew Mrs Hunter as I was a student at John Marshall from 1973 to 1976 till I transferred to Armstrong she was my music teacher and she was tough on you she was a beautiful lady and always had a smile on her face was one of my good famous teachers and was always looking fabulous rest in peace Mrs Hunter God has gained another angel to sing in his choir⚘️⚘️⚘️🕊🕊🕊🕊 Thomasine Crutchfield King

We the young adult of G.H.B.C of Southside, This was one of the many choirs that Mrs.Hunter started,back in the day,60,swe will always remember her love for teaching people to sing.Gods 👏 🙌 👏 🙌 praises.Rest easy to a Song 🎵 🐦 🐦‍⬛ bird.We love you always, Prayers to her daughter Kelly and families

It's with our heartfelt condolences and prayers for our beloved Marie Goodman Hunter. May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and keep close during this difficult time Kelly. We love you! Charmayne and Aunt Yvonne🥰🙏🏽🙏🏽