Mariby Burrowes Johns

Mariby Johns passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on March 8, 2025.

Mariby grew up in Keyport, NJ. She graduated from Connecticut college in 1959. Mariby was held in high esteem by her colleagues during her long career as a therapist and psychiatric social worker.

At the age of 50, intent on achieving her master’s degree and with the admiration and support from family and colleagues, she attended Smith College of Social Work in Northampton Massachusetts. Mariby lived in a dorm for two summers graduating first in her Class with a Master’s of Social Work.

Mariby and her late, (2018) husband of 60 years, Lionel Skipwith Johns, shared a life full of love, laughter and countless adventures. At 50 Mariby and Skip, became certified scuba divers, logging hundreds of dives throughout the Caribbean from the BVIs to Venezuela. Along the way she became an accomplished underwater photographer published in multiple Diving Magazines. After retiring in their 60s Mariby and Skip sailed away on their boat, Blythe Spirit. They sailed from the Chesapeake Bay to Bermuda and then to the Caribbean island chain all the way to South America and back in an adventure that lasted two years.

Mariby was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lionel Skipwith Johns and her dear son Lionel “Skip” Johns, Jr. She is survived by her daughters Lindsay Johns, and Blair Rushton, her sister Susan Burrowes Stason, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mariby’s family is hosting a Celebration of Her Life on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 3 – 6 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, Virginia 22307.

At Mariby’s request colorful or spring attire is encouraged.