Judge Marilyn Florence Johnson was born in Chicago, IL, on June 29, 1954, the only child of Arthur and Donna Jean Johnson, both of whom preceded in death.

Marilyn accepted Christ at an early age and attended St. Anselm Elementary School. Marilyn attended and graduated form Cathedral High School and went on to receive her Bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago in 1976. In 1979, Marilyn graduated from the University of Illinois School of Law

On October 18, 1986, Marilyn married Stanley Becton in Chicago. Together, they raised Jamila Becton and enjoyed spending time with and helping to raise their granddaughter, Melinda Brooks.

Marilyn had a storied and diverse legal career. She started her legal practice at Legal Aid Foundation as a staff attorney. From there, she joined the City of Chicago Law Department as Deputy Corporation Counsel under former Mayor Harold Washington. She then moved on to become General Counsel for the Chicago Housing Authority and thereafter, served as General from the Chicago Board of Education. She also served as Chief of Staff at the Illinois Toll Highway Authority.

In 2006, Marilyn was appointed as a Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She was later elected countrywide to that position in 2008 and served as a Circuit Court Judge until her retirement in 2015. During her time on the bench, Marilyn was assigned to the Child Protection Division of Juvenile Court where she presided over trials and hearings regarding abused and neglected children and termination of parental rights. Marilyn was considered fair, thoughtful, and well-informed. She led by example through mentoring and training younger lawyers and judges. In her own words, Judge Johnson was "honored to have enjoyed a varied career steeped in public service and involvement with multiple communities in our diverse city."

During her career, Judge Johnson was the recipient of many awards, including the prestigious Earl B. Dickerson Award from the Chicago Bar Association and the President's Award from the Illinois Judicial Council (IJC). Other awards included the Women of Knowledge, Faith and Service Award from Penedo Charitable Organization in 2015; a Trailblazer Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 2013; and the Distinguished Alumnae Award from the University of Illinois School of Law in 2006. In keeping with her passion to provide opportunities for aspiring youth, Judge Johnson served on the IJC Foundation. The Foundation is the scholarship fundraising branch of the Illinois Judicial Council. Judge Johnson was Chair of the Foundation at the time of her death.

Judge Johnson departed this life on June 1, 2022, after a long illness. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Stanley; daughter, Jamila; granddaughter, Melinda; and a multitude of loving relatives, friends, and colleagues.