Mary M. Johnson

Mary M. Johnson went to be with the Lord on July 5th, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 9th, 1944 in Bibb County, Georgia and traveled around the USA and the world as part of a military family and as an educator with the Department of Defense Overseas Schools. Mary raised a remarkable family with her dedicated and helpful husband Philip in Silver Spring, MD prior to their move to Hudson, OH after retirement. Mary and Philip Johnson were married on July 14, 1961 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam with their loving union of 50 years producing two children and six grandchildren. She believed, taught, and demonstrated that family and friends were important, making it a priority even in the midst of work, life's struggles, and health issues as she was dedicated to bringing people together, friendship, and outreach to others, as no person was a stranger for long. Her radiant smile was uplifting and something she continuously shared with everyone to brighten their day and encourage them. Mary is leaving a legacy of what Love in action really looks like.
Mary was a lifelong educator and began her professional career as an elementary school teacher after receiving her Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in 1965 and Master's Degree (M.A.) in 1966 from The Ohio State University where she is a lifetime alumnus. After earning her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education Administration in 1971 from the University of Maryland where she is a lifetime alumnus, she worked for several organizations including the U.S. Department of Education. She chaired many worldwide committees that established the curriculum policy that provided leadership for teachers and principals serving more than 200 schools in 19 countries and three regional areas teaching kindergarten through grade 12 students of military personnel stationed overseas. Her work as an Education Supervisor set the standard for subsequent publications of curriculum during her 24 years at the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DODDS) leaving a lasting impact on military families for generations to come by providing their children the best instruction and education possible.
Mary was super organized, intentional, and always had a plan or found one. She helped and blessed many people in their time of need as well as provided valuable advice and lessons learned. Her expectations were high for herself and others but it was all done in a loving manner. Mary loved reading, playing golf, planting/enjoying flowers, watching Survivor, and was an avid sports fan.
After retirement, she was a tireless caregiver of her husband, doting grandmother, friend to all, and member of many organizations, clubs, and groups where she continued to spread joy, encouragement, motivation, and love.
Mary accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior early in life and publicly declared it with baptism at the age of nine while her family was stationed in Louisiana. She was able to help instill that faith and love of God into her own children by her daily example of God's love through her actions which is Mary's greatest legacy that she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her husband Philip Johnson of Kent, OH, her parents Mary and Staff Sergeant George Allen Jr., U.S. Air Force Retired, of Columbus, OH, her sister, Claudia Humphrey of Augusta, GA, and her brother, Ira Allen of Columbus OH.
Mary is survived by daughter Mary Elaine (Marc) Cooper of Los Angeles, CA and son U.S. Army Major Philip Lawrence (Jennifer Mary K.) Johnson stationed at Fort Drum, NY. Her grandchildren Marc Philip, Kamelah, Zaria, Anaya, Philip Jr. and Philip Josiah. She is survived by sisters Jane (Leroy) Diggs of Danbury, CT, Elizabeth Hope of Atlanta, GA, Major Susan Allen, U.S. Army retired, of Alexandria, VA and brothers George Allen III of Atlanta, GA and Joseph Allen of Columbus, OH. She is also survived by multitudes of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
The family suggests Memorial contributions instead of flowers to the charity of your choice. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25th at Christ Community Chapel - Hudson Campus(750 West Streetsboro Street, Hudson, Ohio 44236) with Calling Hours: 10-11AM, Memorial Service: 11AM, and Reception following immediately after the Service.