Marie Cunningham Johnston, 85, of Owensboro passed away, Monday, May 6, 2019 in Madisonville under the care of Baptist Health.  She was born on January 23, 1934 in Madisonville KY to the late Lanerlene Cunningham and Allie Cunningham.  Marie grew up as a member of Salem Primitive Baptist Church of Madisonville and later moved her membership to Owensboro Christian Church.  She attended Waddill Grade School, Madisonville High School and later attended Brescia University in Owensboro.

She worked at General Electric in Owensboro during her husband's time in the Korean War. Marie also worked at the Feminine Inn women's clothing store in downtown Owensboro.  Later, she was a partner in the ownership of a ladies' boutique, Mar'sa.  She also worked as a manager at Olan Mills Photography Studio. Marie was on the P.T.A. Board at Thruston Elementary School and was an active volunteer with the Thruston Elementary Girl Scouts and Troop 298 Boy Scouts.  She received the Den Leader's Training Award in 1970, Outstanding Lady Scouter in 1971 and the Right Arm Award in 1971 and 1972.  She enjoyed television, movies, reading, sewing and cross stitching.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Benjamin Algene Johnston, her step-father, Ovy Ashby, her brothers, Otis Cunningham and Odie Thomas Cunningham.

Survivors include her sisters, Mary Cardwell and Judy Uzzle, both of Madisonville, a daughter, Vicki Mattingly (Joe), son, Barry Johnston (Jamie) and granddaughter, Dr. Mckenzie Mattingly of Owensboro and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ridgewood Terrace Health and Rehab in Madisonville.  They also want to thank the doctors, nurses and the staff of Baptist Health Madisonville for their dedication, attentiveness and empathy as she journeyed home.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville with Pastor Thad Gunderson officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville.

The visitation will be from Noon until the funeral hour Thursday at the funeral home.

The pallbearers are Steve James, Billy James, Perry Skinner, David Hill, Ronald Taylor and Keith Hawkins.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made in Marie's memory to Salem Primitive Baptist Church c/o Treasurer at 1001 Lake Ridge Crossing Madisonville, KY 42431.