Marcus Reid Johnson the son of Eloise Reid Johnson of Moncks Corner, South Carolina and Jesse Johnson Sr. of Charleston, South Carolina was born on July 22,1938, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Marcus was the youngest of seven siblings Jesse Jr., Evelyn, twin sisters Martha and Mary, and twin brothers Johnny and James. Marcus was raised in Charleston, South Carolina and in 1946 moved back to Moncks Corner where he attended Berkeley Elementary and Trade School where he graduated. In 1950, Marcus’ sister Evelyn Crawford along with her husband Joseph Crawford and family moved to Boston.
In 1951, Marcus joined his sister, Evelyn and her family in Boston, Massachusetts. Marcus was always a person who loved to work and always took odd jobs to stay busy and help others. He was never lazy and never sat back and waited for a handout. As his oldest sister Evelyn would say “Marcus was Marcus”.
In early 1960, Marcus established his own business called New Market Service, Inc. at New Market Square in Boston Massachusetts. That was the beginning of him becoming his own boss. He owned an 18-wheeler truck and lugged beef. It was also the beginning to a long future of success as a self-employed businessman in the city of Boston. Marcus had a love for success and helping the community. Marcus made many friends in New Market Square and continued the friendships for many years. He had a vision of always moving up in life. In the early 70’s Marcus purchased property on Talbot Ave in Dorchester next to what is now known as the Carver Den and it became New Market Auto Service Inc. The building had a two bay garage and trailer for an office and now was a car repair shop.
Marcus was proud of his accomplishments and never boasted or bragged, always giving his last and willing to help. Marcus had a bigger vision of success and nothing was going to stop him from becoming more and more successful in the city of Boston and helping more and more people. He went on to purchase multiple pieces of real estate in the city of Boston. In early 1980’s, Ben’s Lounge located at 10-22 Bowdoin Street in 4 Corners, Dorchester was being auctioned off, Marcus attended the auction and was the winning bidder. NewMarket Auto Service Inc. now had a bigger location with many services such as auto appraisals, auto body repair, towing, inspection stickers, car rental to name a few, 4 Corners was the home of NewMarket Autobody, and DJ & Sons Towing .Marcus was called the King of the 4 Corners and the God father of the 4 corners community. In addition, the same year Marcus won a bid to provide towing for the Boston Police Department Area C11.
In 1985, Marcus became the first African American diesel mechanic foreman for the MBTA at the former Bartlett Street Garage. Marcus would work at his business in Four Corners from 7am to 2pm. Then went to work the second shift for the MBTA where he oversaw a 15 man crew. He was a great boss. Always making sure his employees at both places were happy. Whenever a bus broke down Marcus was always called to get it back up and running and with his expertise the buses rarely needed to be towed back to the shop.
There was another side of Marcus, he loved all thirteen of his children and made time to be there for each of them. Marcus would take his children to different shows at the former Boston Garden and his favorite was going to Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Sunday afternoon and walking with his children through the whole place to end up at the Chinese restaurant. Marcus also loved spending time with his siblings and attending family reunions that were held in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Marcus loved to host family cookouts at his house in Mattapan and was known for lobsters and steak. He also attended cookouts in New Jersey with his brother Jesse and sisters Mary and their families.
Marcus was a phenomenal father, pillar of the community, problem solver, amazing friend, if you had a problem and went and had a conversation with Marcus two minutes into the conversation he would say “What do you need” then he would pull out his gray rolodex where he had a number for anyone and everything. Mention Marcus Johnson and you would be well taken care of.
Marcus was the recipient of two distinguished awards, the Equal Service Workers Association’s Man of the Year award for community service and the former Boston YMCA Black Achievers award. Marcus accomplished many positive things in his lifetime and through them all Marcus stayed humble and true to his words.
He was a member of the Partisan and Advisory Committee of Eastern Service Workers Association. Marcus was a legend with a great heart and a captivating smile and will be sorely missed.
Marcus is preceded in death by parents, mother, Eloise Johnson and Father Jesse Johnson Jr. brothers Johnny Johnson, Jesse Johnson, James Johnson, twin sisters Martha Rose Johnson and Mary Moore Gibbs Johnson, his first wife Francis Johnson, children’s mother Hester Jones and Connie Edwards, daughters, Linda Johnson and Eloise Johnson, son, Michael Edwards, best friend Mr. Leon Jackson, favorite cousin Lovie Castle and many more.
Marcus leaves to cherish his memories and honor his legacy his loving children Nicole Johnson of Boston MA, Donna Johnson of Boston, MA, Thema Johnson of Philadelphia, Courtney Johnson of Philadelphia, son in law Aaron Merlin of Philadelphia, Marcus Holloway of Rhode Island, Candida Johnson of Boston, MA, Marcus Johnson II of Philadelphia PA, Brandon Johnson of Philadelphia, Stacey Johnson of Atlanta GA loving sister Evelyn Crawford of Monks Corner, South Carolina second wife Deborah James Johnson fifty, four grandchildren, thirteen ,great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and host of relatives and friends.