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.
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Johnnie with his grandchildren Tammy and Stony |
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Lucile and Johnnie with grandson Robert (1989) |
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Lucile and her grandchildren, Jennah, Tammy, Stony, Kayla, and Robert (2006) |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
