Marianne's baby brother Jim, age 93, flew in from Tucson, AZ, to visit her in the days before she passed. These photos are from Jim's previous visit in 2023. Jim brought us this beautiful letter of appreciation that he wrote about his sister:
MARIANNE C. JOHNSON
Appreciation
It could be a challenge to describe the many and varied characteristics of my sister. As her younger brother, I have followed closely her many achievements with normal sibling pride and, perhaps, a level of prejudice...her relationships with others, her native intelligence and her ability to quickly analyze situations, solve problems and deliver results.
Eventually, she entered the world of broadcasting, serving as director of news operations and she became a part of radio station management. What was in her background, as a woman, that led Marianne to such remarkable success?
As a child she was normal in most ways, but she showed early signs of being someone who was destined to achieve a meaningful, successful life. Marianne was thoughtful, yet decisive. Considerate and supportive.
For example, she could participate in discussions with adults about a variety of topics that most children would know nothing about, as they were usually involved in activities related to their own age groups.
She was a voracious reader. There were the usual textbooks, but she preferred books about people whose stories soared with human interest appeal to those that examined the struggles of persons living in hard times.
Books that portrayed the real world and real people. She wanted to learn, but preferred to do it in her own way. She went from book to book that covered subjects you usually wouldn't find in a classroom.
Her interests, as reflected in her readings and discussions, often related to subjects that were unlike the everyday concerns of most people.
By popular standards she would be considered an enthusiastic, early learner before she ever went to school, but it wasn't all about books.
She had the ability to engage in discussions intelligently in the moment based on intuitive reasoning. This allowed Marianne to participate effortlessly in ongoing interactions in day-to-day situations.
In school she stood out with the best students. It was at the esteemed Lowell High School in San Francisco that she showed signs of intellectual excellence and curiosity for knowledge. She was among the top students in advanced classes during the year she was in attendance. As a result, she was able to skip a semester after enrolling at Shasta Union High School in her hometown of Redding, California, graduating in 1944 at 16.
Thinking Marianne a bit too young for college, her parents kept her home for a year, then allowed her to attend Chico State College some 80 miles southeast of Redding.
Foremost among her abilities was proficiency in English. She mastered the subject, which many others overlooked or failed to recognize as an essential component of everyday living. Later in life, she exercised her command of English by tackling daily crossword puzzles in The New York Times, pen only.
At 17 and a college freshman, she became an editor at the daily Chico Enterprise-Record newspaper. This was during World War II when many American men were in the military service. Even so, it was an example of substantial achievement by someone still moving through her teens.
Her dedication to academic scholarship and her obvious leadership earned attention and respect from others.
After several years at Chico, and already a seasoned reporter-editor, Marianne transferred to Fresno State College and its highly-regarded journalism department. There, she took management positions at the twice-weekly collegiate newspaper, and became on of the department's most accomplished students, graduating in 1949. She also was elected president of the largest women's resident hall at the Fresno campus.
FSC journalism professors maintained close ties with news outlets in the San Joaquin Valley - newspapers and broadcast stations. Qualified graduates were identified and became eligible for media employment. (Her father, Ted Crumpacker, was a newspaper advertising executive at the daily Tulare Advance-Register and was known to valley news media, as well as school journalism departments.)
Marianne's creative talents and engaging manner were among her strengths when she was hired by KMJ, Fresno, McClatchy's flagship radio station. Soon she was promoted to news director, becoming the first woman in the West to fill such a position.
At the time, as in many professions, it was only men who served in management positions. Women made their mark, serving competently as skilled workers in important positions. However, management was generally out of bounds to what was known as the fairer sex. Marianne helped to change that.
She had the background for the job as she entered the fast track to success. Her flair for disciplined writing, a basic requirement for radio news, attention to timing and respect for deadlines were on full display as she directed the news throughout the stations's on-air schedule.
But she knew there were other opportunities in broadcasting and more satisfying quality of life elsewhere. Her next stop became San Francisco and KFRC where she again managed the news department. In addition, this multi-talented young woman also made her mark as a contributing producer for KFRC's version of a popular, mid-morning format known as "the magazine show."
This was an audience-building program for the mid-morning-to-noon slot, weekdays. The radio magazine offered entertainment, education and household tips for homemakers. Medical experts promoted healthful living. Chefs presented favorite recipes. Entertainers played music. Advice about traveling, beauty skills, home activities, and child needs were featured. Regular news breaks were included.
The format was short-lived, as deejays took over spinning records, followed ultimately by today's programming emphasis on wall-to-wall talk shows.
About this time, early 1950s, the station manager at KFRC secured the operating license for northern California's first commercial, independent television station, channel 2, Oakland-San Francisco, now Fox 2. This could provide significant and exciting career opportunities, as well as new challenges, for Marianne.
The station got on the air, but without Ms. Crumpacker. Her outstanding achievements in broadcasting remain in the historical archives of KMJ and KFRC as she entered the next phase of her life...as the song says...Love and Marriage.
To a young Naval officer. A Southerner. A Kentucky Colonel. Thomas T. Johnson, Jr., and engineer and attorney. The pair enjoyed some memorable milestones. Two sons, now grown, both productive men, and lifetime achievements by the entire family.
Toms' professional life was topped when he earned appointment to a judgeship by California Governor Ronald Reagan. Judge Johnson served with distinction, eventually elected to serve as presiding judge of the Superior Court, County of Los Angeles. Marianne remained involved by handling social, ceremonial and attendant duties with creativity and efficiency in support of Tom's legal and social activities. As an example, her annual Kentucky Derby parties were extremely popular with the couple's wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Marianne Johnson whose intellect, insight, integrity and resourcefulness have created lifelong memories for those who have been enriched by their relationship with this incredible lady.
(Lessons in life from her young brother, who benefited greatly from the advice, gracious attitude and accomplishments of his only sister. With admiration and gratitude. JC)
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