Marvelle Johnson

Marvelle Johnson died in her home on Elkhorn Creek on Friday February 21st. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late C.C. and Barbara Hoggard on May 27th, 1936. A talented pianist, at a very young age Marvelle played piano for her local church, but soon learned to bust out the boogie woogie, heavy on the left hand. In high school she was very athletic and competitive, loving to play softball and basketball. On bus rides to basketball games, she fell for a skinny kid named Lloyd, beginning their life-long love affair with each other and the family they created. She studied psychology at Mary Hardin Baylor, Ouchita Baptist College, and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in family counseling. In 1958, Marvelle extended her family by joining Central Baptist Church. She was one of their first woman deacons, taught Sunday School for 30+ years, and along with some dear friends started Central's day care program. Marvelle devoted time and passion to helping improve the lives of women and children. With the Neighborly Organization of Women, she was involved with the first Lexington community kindergarten for children in need. For many years she worked with Mother to Mother, providing one-on-one mentoring to struggling young mothers. She was trained as a CASA advocate to represent children's needs and preferences in court cases. She also served on the board in the early days of God's Pantry Food Bank, which continues to provide food for those in need. In 1992, Marvelle and Lloyd left Kentucky to spend five years at Northern Arizona University. They created the STAR-PALS program, to help recruit and retain Native American students in the engineering program,. Officially employed as a counselor, Marvelle became a second mother to her students, providing love and encouragement to kids far from home. She never gave up on a student; her involvement gave many the desire and drive to finish their degree. In fact, Marvelle became a second mother (and grandmother) to kids throughout her life, from the youth at her church, to her students at Flagstaff, to her nieces, nephews and friends of her children and grandchildren. Everyone whose life she touched recognized her gift for listening and connection. She was a trusted confidante for so many dear friends throughout her life, and a model of compassion and tolerance. Her passion for reading and music, for cooking and dancing, for grand sunsets and tiny ferns and stones, for late-night conversations, and for all the people she loved remains with us, as does the bright light of her wide, wide smile. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lloyd Johnson, children, Robin Johnson (Diana Little), Bryce Johnson, Stephanie (Sean) Parkin; siblings Lynn (Jimmie) Taylor and Donnie (Barbara) Hoggard, and grandsons Calvin and Sam Parkin. Please join us for a reception on Sunday, March 2 from 5-7 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 110 Wilson Downing Drive, Lexington, Ky. 40517, followed by a Remembrance at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Marvelle Johnson Memorial Scholarship fund, which will be awarded to female engineering students at Northern Arizona University: United Bank, Marvelle Johnson Memorial,200 East Main, Georgetown, Ky. 40324 or via Paypal to mar.scholar@gmail.com www.milwardfuneral.com.