Obituary of Marcus Alton Johns

Marcus Alton Johns, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, at his home in Florence, Alabama. He was married to his wife Frances Wright Johns for more than 75 years. He is survived by his wife, Frances, his three children, Janet, Michael (Christina), and Regina (Stan), 6 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Jackson and Reba Hine Johns, and by 3 brothers, Elvin, Cledith and Waylon and 3 sisters, Effie Beavers, Lucille Quillen, and Joyce Bowman. Marcus was a faithful member at the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. He served as a deacon at both Shiloh Church of Christ and at Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. His career was in the grocery business, working at A&P grocery stores for 35 years and for Piggly Wiggly grocery stores for 13 years. He started as a sacker and worked his way up to store manager and then to District Produce Merchandiser for both A&P and Piggly Wiggly. Some of the people he worked with became life-long friends. Marcus loved to fish and hunt in his early years, but in his later years enjoyed gardening and traveling. He and Frances traveled by car all over the country from Maine to Florida and to the west coast, including the Grand Canyon, Mt Rushmore, Pike’s Peak and many places in between. His backyard garden reflected his “green thumb” producing lots of vegetables which Frances would freeze and can. Marcus had a strong work ethic that he instilled in his children which served them well in their careers. The family would like to thank those who assisted him during his final months: Suzanne Highland, Diane Tayes, Kari Webster, Laurie Mitchell, Dr. Nicholas Darby and Dr Charles Wilson. Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2025, from 11:00am – 1:00 pm, at Greenhill Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm, in the funeral home chapel, with Justin Pannell officiating. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brian Johns, Walker Schul, Tyson Parker, Robert Cook, Matt Bowers, and Freddie Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Tayes, Billy Harrison, Jimmy Bragwell, Wayne Jackson, and Ed May. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mars Hill Bible School or Sherrod Ave. Church of Christ.