Mary Elizabeth Johnston - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Mary Elizabeth Johnston

Born June 24, 1948

After a long and courageous battle, Mary Elizabeth Johnston, age 66, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at the Heartland Hospice House with her mother, Phyllis and good friend, Susanne Swift by her side.

Born in Wilmington, DE on June 24, 1948, Mary Elizabeth was a daughter of Billie H. Johnston and Phyllis E. Sharpley. She was a graduate of William Penn High School and attended Goldey Beacom College. Mary Elizabeth worked for over 20 years as an office manager and administrative assistant, and in December of 1998 joined her late sister, Leah in opening a New Castle area store, The Gussied Goose.

Active in her faith, she was a vestry member of the Church of the Nativity Manor Park in New Castle for many years and later, a member of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Kennett Square, PA. Mary Elizabeth was a passionate collector and creator of scale miniatures and especially loved working on landscaping, family and seasonal themes. She was an active member of the First State Mini Club, where she served as treasurer and for many years as the club’s dealer and show chairperson. Mary Elizabeth gave of her time and talents to her community by serving as a Girl Scout leader. In her leisure time, she enjoyed gardening, photography, reading, cross stitching and needlepoint. She traveled extensively with her late husband and some of her favorite trips included cruises of the Mediterranean and Alaska and a tour of Hawaii. Mary Elizabeth will be remembered by all for her loving and outgoing personality and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Billie, husband, Robert H. Marshall, Jr. and her sister, Leah Claire Lloyd. Mary Elizabeth is survived by her mother, Phyllis Sharpley of New Castle; and step daughter, Dawn Kelly of Port Monmouth, NJ.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Monday morning, February 16, 2015, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. Interment will be held privately in Lower Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.

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  • Mary was a valued member of First State Mini Club where she faithfully worked to promote the hobby and craft of miniature-making and collecting. She served in various roles during her nearly 20-year membership, especially as secretary, treasurer, and for 10 years, as chairperson of our annual miniatures show. She also coordinated interactions with over 30 show vendors each year. She will be missed!

    With our sincere condolences to her family and other friends,

    Debbie Kostyk and Wanda Simons, co-presidents, FSMC