Mrs. Marilu Woods Johnson

Mrs. Marilu Woods Johnson, a woman of deep faith, devoted Atlanta Braves fan, and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at the age of 101, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Corbin, KY, on March 28, 1925, Marilu was the daughter of Thomas William Woods and Florrie Jean White Woods. Her father worked for the railroad, and she spent her childhood in Corbin before moving to Atlanta in 1943 at the age of eighteen. She lived in the Virginia-Highlands area with relatives and friends before marrying Gene Johnson in 1948.

Marilu and Gene made their home in East Point, GA, where they raised their three children and built a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and service. Marilu was a devoted member of East Point Presbyterian Church for more than 65 years. She served in many capacities throughout the life of the church, sharing her gifts, her faith, and especially her love of cooking. Family, friends, and church members still tell stories about her Wednesday night meals, her fried chicken and fried okra, and the church barbecues she and Gene hosted at the family farm in Franklin, GA.

Following Gene’s death in 2002, Marilu remained in East Point until moving to Peachtree City in 2013 to be near her daughter, Becky Grant. Mother and daughter were a team and shared a special bond, enjoying many adventures together.

During her final years, Marilu lived in Decatur near her son, Woody Johnson, and daughter-in-law, Vicki Johnson. Her daughter, Dotti Berry, traveled frequently from Washington State to spend extended time with her and helped her maintain connections with friends and family members outside the Atlanta area. She was blessed to be surrounded by a caring family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marilu credited her long life to two things: her faith in Jesus Christ and her daily walks. She firmly believed, “If you don’t walk, you won’t be able to.” She remained active, determined throughout her life, and inspired others through her resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirit.

She loved music, dancing, shopping, flowers, puzzles, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She also loved the Atlanta Braves from the day they arrived in Atlanta in 1966. If she couldn’t watch the game on television, she was listening to it on the radio.

Marilu was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Johnson; her daughter, Becky Grant; her brother, Bill Woods; and her sister, Dorothy Cannon Mabry.

She is survived by her son, Woody Johnson, and daughter-in-law, Vicki Johnson; her daughter, Dotti Berry, daughter-in-law, Robynne Sapp; her grandchildren, Tyler Grant (Lindsay), Julie Chailou (Cole), Chase Johnson (Leigh), and Hunter Johnson (Maddie); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Piper Grant, Patton Grant, Crosby Grant, Rowan Johnson, Bennett Johnson, Reid Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Rivers Johnson, Andi Chailou, and Quinn Chailou.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on June 20, 2026, in the Chapel of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home & Crematory in Peachtree City, GA, at 4:00 p.m. with Dr. Hugh Kirby officiating. A Gathering for Family and Friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Marilu’s family finds comfort in knowing that the faith which guided her throughout her life sustained her to the very end.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts may be made in her honor to either Worldwide Discipleship Association at https://www.disciplebuilding.org or Harts of Teal at https://www.HartsOfTeal.org.