An angel came early in the morning and escorted our loved one away. “Come with me to a better home”. She quietly closed her eyes, for her time to enter eternal rest was at hand. Mary A Johnson departed this life on October 16, 2026. She was born on September 3, 1939 in Buckingham County to the late Banks and Queen Austin. She was preceded in death by: her loving husband, Joseph Johnson; her brothers, George Austin (Laura) and Herman Austin (Gladys); and her sisters Martha Coaxum (William), and Julia Austin.

Mary Johnson accepted Christ at a young age. She was a member of First Liberty Baptist Church in Buckingham, Virginia. There she served as a deaconess, an usher, and was a member of the choir. Mary was also a proud member of the missionary ministry where she served faithfully as the president for many years. Mary worked at the Dillwyn Shoe Factory, but her heart belonged to the children. She began working as a substitute teacher for Buckingham public schools where her hard work and dedication allowed her to transition into a permanent role as an in school suspension teacher. Her love for her students led her to remain in her position for over thirty years.

During her later years, Mary moved to Chesterfield, Virginia to live with her daughter, Dianne. While living with Dianne, Mary was introduced to Dianne’s church, Second Baptist Church South Richmond, where she then became a watch care member and was able to continue her fellowship with the Lord with a new church family. Family was everything to Mary and she made sure that her love for them was known. Whether it was a phone call, a quick visit, or a delicious home cooked meal, Mary ensured that she imbued her love into every little thing she did. Summer breaks were her favorite time of year, as her many nieces and nephews filled the halls of her Buckingham home with love, laughter, and joy.

Family reunions were another aspect of summer she looked forward to, as she was quick to pull out 10 point words in Scrabble or trash talk people in a friendly game of Bid Whist. But most of all, she simply looked forward to being surrounded by family and friends who treasured her presence, laughter, and wisdom above all else.

She leaves her cherished memories to: her precious daughter, Dianne Priscilla Johnson; her brothers Johnson Austin (Elouise) and William M. Austin (Dorothy); three sisters in law, Gladys Austin, Sara Johnson and Pearl Mcginnis; one brother in law, Monroe Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.