She was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 27, 1932 to the late Seine R. Brandt and Irma C. (Hazleton) Brandt. Marie was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 78 years. She loved making baby blankets and volunteering at the local thrift store where she delighted in finding hidden gems that she loved to share with her family and friends. Marie's happiest moments were when she and her three daughters were all together. She treasured her family, and she and Jim traveled many miles to spend time with "the girls" and her precious grandchildren.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Dr. Perry Nelson Jr. and her loving husband of 23 years, Jim Johnson.
Survivors include her daughters: Kathy Webster of Oregon, Tammi Hallock of Merriam, Kansas and Lorri Hustwaite of Whitefish, Montana; brother, Reynold Brandt of Ooltewah, Tennessee; grandchildren: Tyler, Katie, Brooke, Ryan, McKenna, Erik-Scott, Nicholas and Ashleigh; and 11 great grandchildren.