Dr. Marie Love Johnson, 88, passed away on November 24, 2014 at her niece’s home in Indianapolis, IN. She was born on December 18, 1925 in South Bend, IN to Eugene and June Ross Love. Marie grew up in Lost Creek, IN. She graduated from Otter Creek High School in North Terre Haute, IN in 1943. After high school she worked for several years saving money to attend Indiana University.
Marie attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing. She received her Masters Degree from the University of Hartford in Hartford CT and was the first African American to be awarded a PhD degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
She signed a contract for a position as a speech therapist with the East Hartford Public Schools before graduation. When Marie began her work as a speech therapist in 1949 in the East Hartford Public Schools, she was the sole clinician. When she retired as director of the speech and hearing program, she had a staff of 17 speech-language pathologists, one teacher of the deaf, and 7 paraprofessionals. In addition under her leadership, the program attained national accreditation from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for maintaining nationally recognized standards of quality service delivery. Marie’s public school program was the first in the state to receive such recognition.
She was the first African American to be elected to the Presidency of the Connecticut Speech and Hearing Association and was the first to be reelected for a second consecutive term. Marie was recognized for successfully orchestrating the legislative effort which led to the licensure of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Connecticut. Her insistence that those who work in the schools be held to the same high standards as those who work in clinics, hospitals and private practice assured the citizens of Connecticut that qualified personnel would serve communicatively handicapped children and youth in the state’s schools and particularly the inner city schools.
Marie was the first African American to serve on the Executive Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as Vice President for Administration. She monitored and encouraged African Americans to enter the field and was instrumental in the adoption of a national position on the recruitment of African Americans into the field. She spoke at universities and colleges, as well as regional meetings all over the country in her efforts to break the color barriers in the fields of speech and hearing.
Her civil rights activities began when, as a student at Indiana University, she became the plaintiff in the case of Marie Love vs The Gablels Restaurant, which broke the segregated code followed by all restaurants in Bloomington IN. She pursued civil rights interest with the NAACP, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and participated in the historic March on Washington in 1963.
Marie married Arthur L. Johnson in 1950 in Indianapolis, IN. They were happily married for 49 years. Marie was a member of Union Baptist Church, the Pilot Club of Hartford, and Delta Sigma Theta. She enjoyed golf and was an avid golfer.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband Arthur L. Johnson, her parents Eugene and June Love, her sister Helen (Jerry) Eubank and brother Eugene (Helen) Love. She is survived by her nieces Diane Eubank of Indianapolis, IN, Anita Eubank, Marcia Eubank and Sheila Eubank of Crawfordsville, IN, Grace Gardner of Seymour, IN and Carol Warren of Newport News, VA; daughter Cynthia Horsey of Sicklerville, NJ, and nephew Thomas (Cheryl) Stewart of Hartford, CT, and a host of cousins, grand nephews and grandnieces. It was Marie’s wish that no funeral or memorial service be held.
Vernice L. Jury says
It war a great honor to have known Marie. She was an amazing role model for every speech-language pathologist in Connecticut.
Vernice L. Jury says
It was a great honor to have known Marie.
Vernice L. Jury
Winnie Johnson says
Rest with peace Aunt Babe.
Winnie
Dwight Bachman says
“In 2001, Marie also published a book, “The Collected Poetry of Arthur Lyman Johnson,” writings of her husband. One of Art’s most popular poems is dedicated to Marie, and is titled, “Style.” It reads like this:
“Style in everything you do;
Style in just being you.
Style in the way you fix your hair;
Style in the way you climb a stair.
Style in moments light and free;
Style in the smile you give to me.
Style in everything; All the while,
HONEY Chile, You’re just my style!”
No one could talk as good as Art, but Marie brought out the best in Art, as this poem reflects.
Don and Brad Noel says
Our children didn’t have nearby aunts or uncles. Art and Marie filled the bill perfectly, teaching them by example that differing skin color made no difference. We remember their helping our kids ride a horse in their back yard in Vernon, and feast on homemade cookies afterward. Don remembers Marie’s subtle instructions to improve his writing at the Hartford Times and later his speaking presence at WFSB-TV.
We mourn Marie’s passing, as we did Art’s — but as with him, we celebrate her many contributions that will outlive her.
Dr. Sandra C. Holley says
Marie had more “firsts” on her curriculum vita than anyone I knew. She was mentor and role model extraordinaire to me and to all speech-language pathologists who were fortunate to be touched by her life. She will be remembered for her leadership, courage, inspiration, and legacy of love. I am forever indebted to her for her contributions to my professional development. She always will remain my “shero.”
Kenneth Briggs says
Babe was truly an inspirational leader. To have known her is an honor. May she rest in peace.
Danielle H says
I would like to extend my condolences to all of of Marie’s family and friends. She made a great impact on society, breaking monumental barriers during her lifetime. It is hard losing someone who you love. May you all continue to comfort each other. In John 5:28,29 Jehovah promises that there will be a time where “those in the memorial tombs will come out”, a time when you can be reunited with Marie. It is my hope that this scripture provides you all comfort and hope during your time of sadness.
Mrs. Shirley Leonard says
Dr. Johnson was a great help with our boys when no one in the school system knew what to do. We were sorry we lost touch with her. You have been Blessed to have had her in your lives for such a long time. I pray that her last years were filled with love and good health. Sincerely, Shirley Leonard
Diane Johnson says
It was my pleasure to get to know Marie. Would loved to have talked to her more but she moved to Indiana. A very gracious lady.
Tonya Jackson says
Aunt Marie, the world is a better place thanks to you. I will never forget you and Uncle Art.
Tonya Jackson
Nichelle Hayes says
Soror Love Johnson was a beloved and revered charter member of Gamma Nu Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Indiana Univ.) She left an amazing legacy.
Dottie Toney says
I grew up in Richmond Indiana and knew her causins. I went to IU and transferred to UConn. I studied speech and hearing correction. When I graduated I could have had a job in any school community in Ct. I chose E. Hartford because of Marie. She was THE best. She obviously made a great impression on my life for me to look her up after so many years…but saddened about her death. She was a great lady and a great inspiration.
Helen (McLaughlin) Rodriguez says
Marie was a classmate of mine during our high school years at Otter Creek – North Terre Haute INdiana – We became good friends but with my move to California as a young naval officers wife we went in different directions. I am Helen McLaughlin – parent J.C. McLaughlin and Emma Simpson McLaughlin.
I attended the class reunion held in 2005 – but have not returned since – presently living in Las Vegas, Nevada