"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

The 3 M's lost a piece of their triangle. On February 11, 2026 our beloved, Dr. Marsha Denise Johnson entered her final resting place at the family residence in Petersburg, VA. She was born to Gilbert L. Johnson, Sr. and Doris D. Johnson on July 29, 1959 in Petersburg, Virginia.

She was a beloved mother to many, grandmother, sister, aunt,  and a extraordinary teacher to all. She learned who Jesus was as a little girl and accepted him as her savior at a early age. This helped mold her and make her the God fearing women that she was. Marsha was unapologetically her authentic self. She walked with her head high at all times. She didn't apologize for telling you the truth no matter how harsh it was, we all knew it was out of love. She loved hard and those who got to experience her love experienced something that words can't began to explain.

She loved to shop. That was her thing. It didn't matter who it was for, what it was or who she was shopping with, that was her thing to do. She had a style that words can't began to explain. She wasn't shy or scared to put different patterns together to make a master piece of an outfit. She threw down in the kitchen. It's nothing in this world like a homecooked MJ meal. It was something that people would come sit and wait on for hours because they knew it was going to be a treat at the end.

Ms. J dedicated 37 years to teaching. She taught all over, touched so many souls and adopted so many kids. From room 113 at Vernon Johns to Bon Air she was the same Ms. J, teaching science a way that no one else can. Ms. J comes from a long line of educators so it was in her blood to become one as well. She achieved so much during the time that we had with her. From graduating from PHS (Petersburg High School) Class of 1977 to receiving her Batchelor's Degree from Virginia State University in Physics. To going on and receiving her Master's Degree and accomplishing the greatest achievement of all by receiving her Doctorate Degree.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Doris D. Johnson and father, Gilbert L. Johnso,n Sr.; a loving brother, Milton L. Johnson; and her grandparents, Lillie D. Johnson, Lee Andrew and Anible Davis and Percy Davis.

She is survived by her loving children who will carry on her legacy, Marshall L. Walker and Monique K. Greene; two brothers, Brian A. Johnson and Gilbert L. Johnson, Jr.; a "grandson puppy", Skooter; one nephew, Miles O. Johnson; numerous of cousins; two great nephews, Autrelle M. Waddell and Jamyles O. Johnson; and a great niece, Shikira Wynn.

Ms. J left a mark on many hearts. She leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to fill but we are going to do our best. Special thanks to all for the many prayers, calls, and visits. Special thanks to J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishemnt, Inc. for the guidance through this tough time and a special thanks to Third Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor, Ms. Monique Greene, eulogist.  The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

A wake will be held from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, February 20, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5743603?fl=so&fe=fs