Margie Marie Footman

Margie Marie Footman was born on June 24, 1940, in Roxboro, North Carolina, to the late Rufus and Beatrice Johnson, the eldest of three daughters born to the couple. (She was known to most friends and acquaintances as “Marie” and to her immediate family affectionally as “Ree”). The family moved to Baltimore, Maryland soon after her birth where Marie was raised. She attended Baltimore City Public Schools. In 1957, Marie married Thomas James Footman, a marriage that would last for nearly 54 years until his passing. From that union, their son – and only child—James Torance Footman, was born. Marie was raised in the church but came to point in her life where she recognized her need to place her faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross for her salvation, thus beginning her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She loved her Lord and His word and good gospel music – especially the hymns. Marie possessed a kind and gentle spirit. She was content to primarily be a homemaker, but she also worked as a waitress for special events at the Emerson and Lord Baltimore hotels in downtown Baltimore. After the closing of the Emerson and Lord Baltimore, she worked part-time as a waitress for the Hecht Company Restaurant (Reisterstown Road Plaza) where she received an award in recognition of outstanding service. She later left waitressing and transitioned to working as a housekeeper for several families until her retirement. Marie was a DIYer (“Do-It-Yourselfer”) before the term became popular. She found great satisfaction in completing home projects such as painting, hanging wallpaper, installing storm doors, and numerous other projects, all of which she did excellently. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking for her family. Marie was an outstanding cook. Her desserts (especially her molasses cookies and Jewish Apple Cake) were loved by all. During their journey together, Marie and her husband began a weekly neighborhood Bible study that met in their living room. That Bible study turned into a church ministry led by her husband, Rev. Thomas Footman, who answered the call to pastoral ministry and founded New Bethel Bible Church in 1976. First Lady Marie wore many hats as she served dutifully beside her husband in various capacities until his passing in 2011. After some time, Marie joined Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church and was warmly received. She was immensely blessed by the ministry of Bishop Reginald Kennedy and by her participation in the Diamonds Auxiliary, Senior Choir and the community gardening ministry. Marie was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Rev. Thomas J. Footman and a brother, Harvey Bailey. She leaves to mourn her passing, her beloved son, Rev. James T. Footman, her devoted daughter-in-law Penny Footman, three incredible grandchildren, Janice Marie Footman, Candice Michael Footman (and her husband, James Janowski), Jonathan Thomas James Footman, two sisters Della (Johnson) Wilson, Diane (Johnson) McCants, her special "adopted son," Mr. Craig Goods, and numerous relatives and friends who all had a special place in her heart.

Tributes

Margie Marie Footman

June 24, 1940 - March 14, 2025