Maurine Whitaker Johnson

Maurine Whitaker Johnson, age 92, of Kirkwood, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026. She was born on June 8, 1933 in Whitaker Fork, KY, to the late Gordon B. Whitaker and Dora (Boggs) Young.

Maurine was a woman full of color, warmth, and joy, known for her love of life’s simple pleasures and her generous heart. She adored her dogs and treated them like family—so much so that her beloved Tina Marie even joined her on trips to get her nails done. Maurine loved to camp, or as she happily called it, “glamping,” and found peace and happiness surrounded by nature.

She had a deep love for all flowers and birds, and her bright red lipstick, beautiful jewelry and perfectly painted red fingernails were part of her signature style. Shopping for clothing was one of her favorite pastimes, and she took great joy in the little things that made life feel special.

Maurine also enjoyed crabbing and, just as much, eating crabs afterward. She was a wonderful cook, and no gathering was complete without her famous German Chocolate cake, potato salad and deviled eggs, everyone loved it, and it was made with care and love, just like everything she did.

A devoted Christian, Maurine’s faith guided her life. Christian music  filled her days and brought her peace along with favorite artists like  Neil Diamond and Elvis, which brought her comfort and happiness. Professionally, she sold Avon cosmetics, a job she truly loved, and she took pride in connecting with people through her work.

Maurine will be remembered for her kindness, her vibrant style, her love for family, friends, and animals, and the warmth she shared so freely with everyone around her. She leaves behind cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Maurine is survived by loving husband of 28 years, James Johnson; children: Emma Buchanan Coles (Wayne) and David Shepherd (Judy); grandchildren: Matthew Payne, Nicholas Payne, Shawna Maxey, and Rebecca Plowman; great-grandchildren: Matthew, Mayia, Saylor, Hailey, Eli, and Matteo; and siblings: Etta Young, James Young, Ikie Whitaker, Joe Whitaker, and Evelyn Begley. In addition to her parents, Maurine is preceded in death by her grandson, David Shepherd; siblings: Bill Whitaker, Gordon (GB) Whitaker, Vergie Melton, Emma Louise Bingham, Pauline Smith, Mary Katherin Whitaker, Junior Young, Wanda Faye Williams, and Molly Sue Coots; and her loving dog, Tina Marie.

Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to “VFW Chesapeake City Post 7687” and sent in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 259 East Main Street Elkton, MD 21921.