Marie Lueberta (White) Johnson

Marie’s passion extended to the Ladies Auxiliary’s National Programs, where she served as

Advisor for the Annual National Baby Shower and provided her expertise in financial oversight.

She also lent her skills as a technical expert for the National Grant Management System, fostering

unity, empowering members, and advancing the mission and values that define the Knights of

Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.

Despite facing health challenges towards the end of her life, Marie remained kind-hearted,

encouraging, and ever supportive of Ladies seeking leadership roles. To know Marie was to love

Marie, she was admired for her business acumen, her optimism, and her grace. Marie lived her life

with integrity, faith, and quiet confidence, leaving a lasting legacy of service and love. As an

invisible demonstration of her reliance on God's provision and standing on the promises of God,

she was extremely giving and would often give monetary blessings, without seeking

acknowledgement. The world lost a gentle soul when Marie transitioned from labor to reward

peacefully at home, leaving behind a legacy of quiet kindness, simple joys, and small acts of grace

that made the world softer for those who crossed paths with her. She lived life without fanfare,

preferring the comfort of routine of her work, and the beauty of a well-tended garden that she

would admire from her front porch.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. James Ulysses White, Sr. and Mrs. Margaret

Marie White, and her beloved sister, Ann Starkey White. She leaves to cherish her memory: her

two (2) brothers, James Ulysses White, Jr., William Paul White and her sister, Tessa Odessa

White Smith (affectionately known as Twig); her nephew, Kenyatta R. Lusk; her niece, Peaches D.

Easton, who shared a special bond with her; along with a host of cousins, friends, and devoted

members of her church, her Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. family, former/current business

colleagues, and neighbors from her beloved Kent County Community.

We loved Marie, but God loved her best and on

October 12, 2025, the Lord called her home. We like

to believe that she was welcomed with open arms

and heard the Savior say, “Well done, Marie, my good

and faithful servant.” May she now rejoice in eternal

peace, reunited with her parents, sister, and all

those who have gone before her. May her spirit

continue to inspire us, and may the memories of her

love, laughter, and leadership sustain us until we

meet again…

Her-Story

Esteemed Past Marie Luberta Johnson was born on December 9, 1949, in South Bend, Indiana,

to Mr. James Ulysses White, Sr. and Mrs. Margaret Marie White. She was one of five children

produced from their union. Marie spent her entire childhood in South Bend, where she developed

her strong character, intellect, and sense of purpose.

Marie attended Catholic grade school, where she developed her love and devotion to the blessed

Mother. After graduation she matriculated at Central High School in South Bend, Indiana.

She later pursued higher education at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she

earned her Bachelor’s Degree. Marie went on to attain a Master’s Degree in Business

Administration, a testament to her determination and commitment to excellence.

After completing her studies at Aquinas College, Marie began her professional career at General

Motors, where she worked for several years. She later became a licensed Notary Public, entering

the world of entrepreneurship as the owner and operator of “The Notary Bug.” Through this

business, she and her associates provided professional services including document notarization,

apostille processing, and other notary services. Over the years, Marie successfully managed several

other ventures, leading her employees with vision and dedication until her passing.

A woman deeply rooted in her faith, Marie was a charter member of the Knights of Peter Claver

Ladies Auxiliary, Fr. Bernard Hall Court #354 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She served Court #354

faithfully for twenty-six (26) years, holding numerous Officer positions including that of Grand

Lady. Her steadfast service, strong moral compass, and unwavering devotion to the Church and

community led to her elevation on June 26, 2004, as a Meritorious Fourth Degree Lady of Grace

in the Saint Martin de Porres Grand Chapter #11, Detroit, Michigan. Answering the call to

leadership again, Marie served as Faithful Navigator of the Saint Martin de Porres Grand Chapter

#11 from 2009 to 2012. She also served for numerous years as Advisor for the Nominations &

Elections Committee and the Membership Committee of the Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace.

In July 2012, she was elected National Treasurer of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary,

serving faithfully for six (6) years. Marie contributed greatly to the Northern States District

Conference, serving on both the Audit Committee and Budget Committee, where her expertise

helped strengthen and grow the District Treasury greatly. In July 2018, she was elected Vice

Supreme Lady, extending her service on the National Board to a remarkable twelve (12)

consecutive years.

Soft-spoken yet resolute, Marie was a woman of God whose humility and dedication inspired all

who knew her. Her love for the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary was evident in her tireless

work to promote inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. She was extremely

instrumental in developing guidelines to help Courts attract and retain members, and in

creating financial tools to help Deputies manage income and expenses more effectively.

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