Martha “Marti” (Hamilton) Johnson, 77, of Newark, Delaware, died at home on January 26, 2026.
She was born in Charleston, West Virginia; graduated from Keyser High School; and earned an associate’s degree from West Virginia University. She carried a quiet strength and deep independence throughout her life.
Marti was a reserved, steady, patient person whose presence grounded the people she loved. As a single mother, she raised her daughter, Tracy, with unwavering love and intention, teaching kindness, empathy, independence, and problem solving. Throughout Tracy’s life, Marti was her rock and her constant.
A lifelong reader, Marti believed deeply in the power of literacy and access to knowledge. After retiring, she volunteered as a literacy tutor and later as a tax preparer, helping elderly and underserved community members navigate complicated systems with calming consideration and clarity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick C. and Eloise V. (Scherr) Hamilton; her stepfather, Charles Laurin “Swish” Swisher; and her siblings, Frederick C. Hamilton and Sue Ann (Hamilton) Chapin.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Tracy Johnson; her brother, Edward Hamilton; and her sisters, Nancy and Sally Swisher.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ProLiteracy, in honor of Marti’s lifelong love of reading and her commitment to sharing her knowledge with others.
Service details will be shared at a later time.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
