Grandchildren, 50th anniversary, and final days

Johnnie extended his love not only to his grandchildren but also to his nieces and nephews. He cherished moments spent with them and dedicated as much time as possible to nurturing these relationships.

Johnnie with his grandchildren Tammy and Stony

Lucile and Johnnie with grandson Robert (1989)

Lucile and her grandchildren, Jennah, Tammy, Stony, Kayla, and Robert (2006)

In 1990, Johnnie and Lucile, after five decades of shared laughter, tears, and countless memories, stood side by side, surrounded by their loving family, to celebrate their golden 50th wedding anniversary. Their journey together had been marked by both joyous moments and challenging trials. As any family, they faced difficult times, but their unwavering commitment to each other allowed them to weather any storm. Through thick and thin, they found solace in one another, their love guiding them through life’s twists and turns.

Johnnie and Lucile on their 50th anniversary

Johnnie, who battled severe asthma and emphysema, faced the gradual decline of his health throughout the late 1980s. In 1991, his condition worsened, leading to a prolonged hospitalization due to the combined effects of both diseases. During this challenging time, Nell, whose husband Robert had passed away in 1988, stood by Lucile, unwavering in her support. Together, they visited Johnnie in the hospital for five to six hours almost every day, providing comfort and companionship.

Tragically, on August 16, 1991, Johnnie succumbed to his illness, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. In his final days, he entrusted his son Randy with the care of Lucile. Johnnie was laid to rest near his daughter Nancy and granddaughter Dawn at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens in Forest Park. 

Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by George Bush

Lucile and Nell, inseparable best friends for the next 19 years, shared a bond that transcended mere companionship. Their days were filled with thrift store adventures, crafting, shopping, and endless laughter. They playfully teased each other, their banter a testament to their deep connection. And when Nell visited Lucile’s house, it was not just a brief stopover; she often stayed for two weeks at a time, weaving memories into the fabric of their enduring friendship.

Nell and Lucile

Lucile and Vanessa’s mother, Fay Lankford, forged a deep friendship during family holidays. Their bond grew stronger over time, and in 2007, when Randy relocated Lucile to Coweta County, she found herself living next door to Fay. The trio—Lucile, Nell, and Fay—shared countless moments together. Fay, always thoughtful, would bring them ice cream, and the three friends would sit side by side, savoring each other’s company.

Kayla, Lucile, Jennah, and Fay (Christmas 2000)

Lucile, after a valiant six-month battle with cancer, passed away in Fayetteville, Georgia on November 3, 2010. Her final resting place lies beside her husband Johnnie and their daughters Nancy and Diane at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens in Forest Park.

Randy, her son, knew of his father’s letters but had no inkling of their quantity. Lucile, cryptic yet poignant, once said, “Y’all can read the letters after I’m gone.” And so, after her passing, Randy discovered the treasure trove: over 300 letters, stored in two plastic shoe boxes.

Johnnie’s letters to Lucile, once haphazardly stored in shoe boxes, have now found a new home. These cherished letters are carefully preserved within notebooks, their pages encased in archive-quality sleeves, arranged in chronological order. Each ink-stained page whispers of love, longing, and shared memories, a testament to a bond that transcends time.

 

 

 

This project represents the culmination of six years and countless hours of dedicated work by both myself and Johnnie and Lucile’s son, Randy Marston. In 2018, Randy introduced me to these precious letters, and as the family historian, I could not bear to part with them. From transcribing and organizing the letters chronologically to extensive online research, our commitment was unwavering. Together, we sifted through countless images, painstakingly identifying the faces captured within. It has been an honor and a privilege to breathe life into this story, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to Randy for allowing me to share his parents’ love story. Through this journey, I have gained profound insights and a renewed admiration for our troops, particularly Johnnie—a true hero from the greatest generation. Their sacrifices for our country resonate deeply. May God bless our troops and America.

— Denise Murphy

Randy

Randy, the youngest and only son, attended Forest Park Senior High School and graduated with the Class of 1977. He married early, and alongside his wife, they welcomed their son, Robert, before the marriage failed. 

In 1985, Randy’s desire to serve his country found its fulfillment as he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Johnnie and Lucile beamed with pride as they witnessed his boot camp graduation.

Diane, Lucile, and Tammy

 

Boot camp graduation. Randy was the platoon leader.

Randy served in Company D, 1st Battalion

Johnnie and Randy

Randy served for 20 years, including a yearlong deployment in support of Operation Iraqi freedom with the 277th Maintenance Company. The photos below capture moments from that significant period of his life. 

Lucile, her great grandson Nicholas, and Kayla waiting for Randy to deploy

Diane, Randy, and Lucile

Lucile had faced deployment with Johnnie,
now with her son Randy

Randy, his wife Vanessa, and daughters
Jennah and Kayla

Randy says goodbye to Jennah as he deploys for Kuwait

Randy in Kuwait

After retiring from the military in 2006, Randy joined Chick-Fil-A Corporate Headquarters, where he worked for 14 years. However, in 2020, he received a life-changing diagnosis: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), linked to his service near a large burn pit in Kuwait. The Veterans Administration declared him 100 percent disabled in 2020 due to this debilitating condition. 

Vanessa, Randy’s devoted wife, now serves as his primary caregiver. Together, they navigate life one day at a time, supported by their two daughters—Kayla and Jennah. Randy and Vanessa’s marriage began in August 1988, and their bond is strengthened by the love and care they share.

Johnnie held Vanessa in high regard, treating her as if she were his own daughter. Her presence brought joy to the family, and Johnnie cherished her as part of their close-knit circle.

Randy, Johnnie, and their pet parakeet

Randy and Johnnie Marston (1964)

Johnnie and Randy

Vanessa, Randy, Lucile, and Johnnie

Throughout the years, Johnnie and Lucile faithfully visited the graves of their ancestors. Accompanied by Diane, Nancy, and Randy, they gathered at the cemetery, often with Leola, paying their respects and sharing stories about their family’s history. Randy has continued this solemn tradition, honoring the memory of those who came before him, as shown in the photos below.

Randy at Stacks family graves

Diane and Nancy

Diane, the eldest of the Marston children, attended Forest Park Senior High School and graduated with the Class of 1964. She later married Willis Merritt, and blessed Johnnie and Lucile with two grandchildren, Stony and Tammy. Unfortunately, around 1972, Diane was diagnosed with yellow jaundice, which later developed into hepatitis, ultimately destroying her liver. After receiving a liver transplant in late 1990, Diane was able to enjoy 18 years of life before her health slowly started to decline, and she passed away in 2008. Her final resting place is at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens in Forest Park.

Diane and Johnnie

Diane and Johnnie

Diane

Diane, Johnnie, and Nancy

Diane

Diane

Diane, Lucile, and Randy (2006)

Nancy, the middle child, attended Forest Park Senior High School and graduated with the Class of 1970. In April 1974, when she was 21 years old and six months pregnant, Nancy was involved in a tragic car-truck accident in Atlanta. The accident claimed her life and that of her unborn daughter, Dawn. They were laid to rest together at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens in Forest Park. The loss deeply affected Johnnie and Lucile. 

Nancy

Randy and Nancy (May 1971)

Nancy

Family ties

Johnnie maintained strong ties with his Marston siblings, bridging the distance through visits to Miami, while they reciprocated by journeying to Georgia. These family reunions were more than mere vacations; they were cherished moments of shared laughter, stories, and love.

Among his siblings, Evelyn and her husband Bill held a special place in Johnnie’s heart. Their connection ran deep, intertwining with the lives of their children: June, Billy, and Bobby. Together, they wove a tapestry of family bonds that transcended miles and years.

Lucile and Johnnie’s sister Evelyn in Miami

Johnnie with his sisters Evelyn and Kate in Forest Park
(ca. 1986)

Vacations were another highlight in Johnnie’s life. He took his family to Panama City, Florida, where they built sandcastles, chased waves, and created memories. The majestic Gatlinburg mountains in Tennessee also witnessed their laughter and adventures. Johnnie’s cars were his pride; they gleamed with meticulous care before every road trip.

Johnnie and Lucile on a Florida vacation visiting family (July 1973). 
Both were in good health and Randy feels this was probably some of the
happiest times of their lives.

And then there were the annual fishing trips. Randy, wide-eyed and eager, accompanied his father from ages 8 to 14. It became a cherished tradition—a father-son bonding experience. Sometimes, Randy’s friend would tag along, adding to the joy. Deep sea fishing was their escape, a chance to reel in stories and laughter as they cast their lines into the vast ocean.

Johnnie

Johnnie and Randy

Johnnie had a soft spot for Christmas. He loved that time of the year. As the family gathered in their home for the holiday, Johnnie would don a red sweater and play Christmas music. The record player would come alive with the sounds of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas, Elvis singing Blue Christmas, and Nat King Cole singing The Christmas Song or O Holy Night. Step into the kitchen and you would find Lucile busy baking sausage cheese balls and a favorite lemon cake to share with loved ones.

Johnnie

Johnnie cherished his three children—Diane, Nancy, and Randy. 

Johnnie holding Randy, Lucile, Diane, and Nancy (March 1960)

Diane, Randy, and Nancy on Christmas morning

Randy, Lucile, Johnnie, and Diane