Marian Surratt Johnston, 84, of Watkinsville, GA, widow of Jesse Eugene Johnston, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at her home.

Born on March 2, 1941, in Goldville (now Joanna, SC), she was a daughter of the late Ray and Nellie Hamm Surratt. She was an honor graduate of Clinton High School and Newberry College. She also earned a master’s degree in teaching from USC-Spartanburg. Mrs. Johnston briefly taught at Thornwell Children's Home in Clinton and had worked at the Council on Aging in Spartanburg. She was a member of Morningside Baptist Church of Spartanburg. She was also an avid bridge player who loved playing in tournaments in South Carolina and the Southeast.

Marian was also a devoted mother to her very special daughter, Beth. This bond led to a decades-long relationship with the Charles Lea Center.

Mrs. Johnston is survived by David Eugene (Carol) Johnston of Athens, GA; a daughter, Marian Elizabeth “Beth” Johnston of Spartanburg; a brother, Clark (Jan) Surratt of Columbia; a grandson, Matthew (Allison) Ruff and a great-granddaughter, Sydney Ruff.

She was predeceased by sisters, Joy Abrams, Jennie Rae Clayton, and Karen Sheehan.

Visitation will be in the Fellowship Hall of Bush River Baptist Church at 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Graveside services will take place at 2:00 pm at the Bush River Baptist Church Cemetery by the Rev. Jeff Payne.

Memorials may be made to the Charles Lea Center, 195 Burdette Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307.