Marva Ray Johnson

Marva Ray Ellison Johnson-James transitioned from time to eternity early Friday morning, February 20, 2026, in New Bern, North Carolina to be with the Lord to rest from her labor and receive her crown in glory.

She was born in Beaufort, North Carolina on September 30, 1935, the second oldest daughter of eight to the late Roy Washington Ellison and Odessa Joyner Ellison.

She joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and remained a member until her death. Marva was educated at Queen Street School in Beaufort, NC.

Marva was united in holy matrimony with the late Walter Johnson, Sr. and to this union was blessed with two children. She was later joined in Holy Matrimony with Alfonso James.

While living in Newark, New Jersey she was employed by Ivers Lee Pharmaceutical Company where she retired with over 30 years of service. Her hobbies were Zumba, gardening, visiting the senior center, walking, crossword puzzles, exercising and reading the Bible.

She will be remembered and cherished by her husband Alfonso James, Connecticut and her two children Delores Slanton (Christopher). Sacramento CA, Walter Johnson Jr., New Bern NC, one granddaughter Sideeka Johnson, Sacramento CA, one great-granddaughter Amaya Tootle, Sacramento CA, and one remaining sister Shirley Hinds (Berthrum), Palm Coast, Fl. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in everlasting life by her six sisters, Roice Ellison Alston, Ingrid Ellison Jackson, Victoria Ellison, Laverna Ellison Ridley, Yvonne Ellison and Susie Ellison Mayers, and grandson Christopher Rasheed Slanton, Jr.

The funeral service will be held at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 405 Cedar Street in Beaufort, NC, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 am with Interment following the service at Oceanview Cemetery in Beaufort, NC.