Mary C. Johnson

After a valiant battle with illness, Mary C. Johnson quietly and peacefully answered God’s call home on July 1, 2020, at the glorious age of 82.  Her beautiful story began on March 20, 1938, in Gloucester, Va.  She was born Mary Frances Carter; the only daughter of Thomas and Ada Carter and was a loving sister to her brothers Horace and John Carter.  Mary was raised in a Christian and loving family and this set the standard of how she would live and raise her family. Because of her strong Christian foundation, Mary gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined Rising Valley Baptist Church, James Store, Virginia.  She remained a dedicated member for many years.  Educated in Gloucester Public Schools, Mary furthered her education and attended Virginia State College, now known as Virginia State University.   

At the tender age of 15, Mary met the love of her life, Nelson Johnson.  Their love started after an introduction by their brothers.  Five years later, the two of them lovingly joined their lives in holy matrimony on June 28, 1958, and chose to start their journey in Mathews, Virginia.  Before having children of their own, she was a “second” mother to others.  In 1964, Mary gave birth to their beautiful daughter, Cynthia Denise Johnson (Clark).  Sixteen years later, she gave birth to their son, Nelson Johnson, Jr.  She was very proud of her children.  As a young woman, she taught as a substitute teacher at T.C. Walker, Gloucester, Virginia.  In 1967, she started another career as the Ordinance Secretary at the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, Virginia and retired in 1993.  Her love for talking to people led her to a new career in sales and she became a saleswoman for Patriot Chevrolet, Williamsburg, Virginia and later joined MCI Worldcom, Newport News, Virginia where she was consistently recognized as a top salesperson.   

Mary led a full life. She enjoyed time with family and friends.  Her trips to Maryland and New Jersey were very special to her heart.  She had a zest for shopping, a passion for hats, a love for poinsettias, and BINGO.  But most of all she adored her only granddaughter, Kirsten Lynae.

In 2002, the love of her life, Nelson Johnson, Sr. answered God’s call home, so Mary relocated to Richmond, Virginia to be closer to her children.  Soon after moving to Richmond, Mary anchored herself and joined the First Baptist Church of South Richmond.  She was a committed member of the Women’s Ministry, Joy Ministry, and anything else she desired to be a part of.  Mary adored her pastors and would promote her love for her church to all who would listen.  Her favorite quote was, “We got it going on at First Baptist!”

Mary lived a happy and fulfilled life.   She loved and was loved by all who knew her.  A life loved is a life well-lived.  She was preceded in death by her brothers, Horace Carter and John Carter; parents, Ada and Thomas Carter; and devoted husband, Nelson Johnson, Sr.  She leaves to cherish her memory, two devoted children, Cynthia Clark and Nelson Johnson Jr.; an adoring granddaughter, Kirsten Lynae Bunns; sisters-in-law, Gladys White (the late Shepherd) and Nevada Johnson (Grover); brothers-in-law, Morris Johnson Sr. (Nancy) and George Forrest (the late Ophelia); goddaughter, Chanda White; three “adopted” daughters, Joanna Brunson, Leola Johnson, and Lois Pete;  a host of nieces and nephews; special children, Larry and Cynthia Parson, Michele Ruff; devoted friends, Earthalyn Sellers, Clinton and Barbara Minnicks, and Wanda Irby.  

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Whiting’s Chapel.  Interment to follow in First Baptist Church Cemetery, Mathews.  Mrs. Johnson may be viewed on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of her service.  Due to the current health pandemic face coverings and social distancing will be required.  Facebook Live-Stream will be available for this service.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com

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