5
trees
planted in memory of Marinda Elane Pinkney
Obituary for Marinda Elane Pinkney
On Tuesday morning, February 14, our beloved Marinda Elaine Johnson-Pinkney, 74,
passed away peacefully at home with her devoted husband, Larry, and took her place
among her heavenly family. She fought a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer and now
stands victorious with the Lord, knowing the battle has been won.
Marinda was born in Washington, D.C., on November 24, 1948, to the late Doris Lee of
Murfreesboro, N.C., and John Henry Johnson of Jetersville, Va. She was the oldest and
only girl of four children.
Marinda attended D.C. public schools and graduated from Calvin Coolidge H.S. in 1966.
During her time there, she was very active, participating in a number of extracurricular
activities and as a member of several committees. She delighted the crowd at all of the
football games as a Majorette, was a writer for the school newspaper and was a member
of the Archery, Art, and French clubs. Upon graduation, Marinda attended Howard
University for three years, after which she worked for American Airlines. She learned
how to program computers and enjoyed working for the U.S. Marshalls Service. Later
she moved on to a private company, where she learned American Sign Language to
better communicate with those in upper management who were deaf. She finished her
career working for Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. Despite her
many obligations, Marinda found time to become a member of the Toastmistress
Association, where she won several awards for her speaking abilities.
Marinda strongly identified with her Native American heritage. She was a card-carrying
member of the Tuscarora tribe in Nottaway, N.C., and loved to attend and dance at Pow
Wows. She and Larry traveled and camped across the country several times. She really
enjoyed the Southwest and was making plans to travel again this summer to see the
northwest part of our country.
Marinda always had a strong passion for creative arts. One of her passions was going
hand dancing; she would do so at every opportunity. She also attended clown school,
where "Puddin Pie" came to life and provided happiness at parties and special events.
Marinda was always finding ways to be creative with arts and crafts and, eventually,
floral arrangements. She often provided unusual gifts for her class reunions, at meetings,
and for friends. The uniqueness of her art made every event and occasion extra special.
In 1998, Larry introduced Marinda to adventures in the Boy Scouts of America in the
Washington, D.C. area, where she was trained and worked as a Commissioner and
Trainer. She also joined the Order of the Arrow, which promoted Camping and Service.
She received several recognitions and awards, including the Award of Merit, the Silver
Beaver, and Vigil Honor, and worked as a Wood Badge Staffer. After retiring, Larry and
Marinda built their home and settled in Jetersville in 2013. Soon after their move, Marinda
connected with a group of Scouters in Amelia and again jumped right in, serving as their
Commissioner until her death.
Continuing with her servant's heart, Marinda became an active member of Pilgrim Baptist
Church. She diligently worked where needed, becoming the lead usher and serving at
other local churches when requested. It was her wish and a blessing to be home in the
country she dearly loved.
Marinda is survived by Larry, her best friend and loving husband of 23 years; three sons,
William, Malcolm (Chris), and Tony (Mia); five bonus sons, Jared (Bonnie), James
(Cristina), Philip (Ebony), Jacob (Ashley) and Adam; thirteen grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, three younger brothers John (Mary), Van (Karen) and Carl, her motherin-law, Alberta Thompson, her sister-in-law Richelle Lumpkin, and a host of family and friends across the nation.
Marinda came to us on Thanksgiving Day as a gift for which we'll forever be thankful.
She went home on Valentine's Day to be with the One who loved her most!
Gone Home
Public Viewing: Friday, March 3, 2023 from 2pm-6pm at Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home, Amelia, VA.
Funeral Service & Interment: Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11am at Pilgrim Baptist Church, Amelia, VA
To plant a tree in memory of Marinda Elane Pinkney, visit the Tribute Store.
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