Mary Johnson's Obituary
Mary Johnson was born on August 8, 1944 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi to Leroy and Helen Johnson. She was the second of four girls. She attended high school in Rolling Fork, Mississippi where she played basketball. After graduating High School in 1963, she moved to San Francisco, California, where her grandparents lived. She attended school for interior decorating, worked regularly and began attending Providence Baptist Church.
In July of 1969 she was blessed with a son, Antonio D. (Tony) Johnson who would be her only child. They were blessed beyond measure at Providence with a church family that would make a significant impact on their lives. Baby Tony gained caring God Parents, Vernon & Rosie Lee Howard along with their welcoming family.
To better her life, Mary enrolled in a local community college and studied finance, which allowed her to gain employment in the banking industry as a financial processor. She worked at Bank of California, which later became Union Bank of California, and now is Union Bank. She retired after working 24 years and was very excited that she would now be able to serve in ministry with no restrictions. She thoroughly enjoyed being an usher as well as singing in the choir. She later united with the Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, where her 12-year old son, Tony Johnson would accept his calling to preach the gospel.
In 2005 she became ill and her son, who was in the United States Navy moved her from San Francisco to where he was stationed, San Diego, CA. They later united with the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Julius R. Bennett, and again she served faithfully in the choir, and as a church mother.
In December of 2019, Mary was blessed to learn that her son, Reverend Tony had been called to become the next Senior Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church and was overjoyed to be able to witness the Pastoral Installation in March of 2020. Her hallelujah’s & thank you Jesus’ were the loudest they’d ever been in a service. She was a very proud mom and frequently praised her God for answering her every prayer.
Mary Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Helen Johnson and her sister, Florine Williams.
She leaves to mourn her loss, son Antonio D. Johnson (Laneé) of San Diego, CA, sisters Betty Hollins of Chicago, IL, and Alma Johnson of Crystal Springs, MS., Granddaughter Natecia Johnson of San Diego, CA., a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
On June 21, 2020 at 6:24 P.M., Mary Johnson peacefully transitioned from labor to reward surrounded by her loving family. Her jubilant laugh and infectious smile will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with her.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
