Mary E. Johnson

MARY ELIZABETH JOHNSON was born on July 4, 1913 to Deacon Charlie and Mrs. Emma Harris on Swann's Point Plantation - Spring Grove, Virginia. Mary was educated in Surry County public schools. She attended Lebanon Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Later in her life, Mary moved to Portsmouth, Virginia and became the wife of the late Benjamin Franklin Johnson, who died in 1961. Mary attended the Third Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Joe Fleming where she was baptized, sang on the choir and fell in love with God's Holy Word. She worked at businesses such as Pepsi-Cola Bottling, Rosen Furriers, and Portsmouth General Hospital. She loved to sing songs of faith with all of her heart, declaring God's wonderful love and mercy. She traveled nationwide with the "Harmonizing Four" gospel group for many years. She loved the songs of Mahalia Jackson and even claimed Mahalia as her very own cousin. In 2000, Mary moved to Baltimore, Md. to be closer to her family. She resided at the Good Samaritan Nursing Center and was adored by the staff and known as "the singer." She loved her family unconditionally. Mary was a devoted grandmother who adored and bragged on her grandchildren daily. Mary joined the Christian Love Church, Reverend William Bailey, Pastor. CLC became an extended family that deeply loved and cared for her by frequently visiting, sending cards and gifts of love, sharing holy communion, praying for her - Thank you Christian Love Church - her family will always be grateful for this manifestation of Christ's love. Mary was the sole survivor of eleven children. Awaiting her arrival in Eternity were Charles, Willie, Edith, Thowell, Celestine, Rogers, Signora, Florence, Nick and George. She'll reunite in Heaven with one grandchild, Priscilla. Mary Elizabeth Harris Johnson awaits a Heavenly reunion with: two daughters, Rev. Rosa Lee Claiborne (Frederick) of Baltimore, Md. and Geraldine Harris Monroe of Harlem, New York; nine grandchildren, Veronica, Brenda, Linwood, Deborah, Frederick Jr., Valerie, Craig, Leedell Jr. and Lisa; sixteen great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Frances Hicks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Mary E. Johnson

July 4, 1913 - June 21, 2006