Mary G. Johnson
Mary G. Johnson entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 5, 2010, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.
She was born Oct. 4, 1932, in Sumter County, to the late Sam Sr. and Rosetta Brunson Gadson. She received her education in the public schools of Sumter County and was a 1952 graduate of Lincoln High School. From her youth, she received her spiritual nurturing at St. Paul AME Church, where she exercised her singing talent as a member of the choir. After marriage, she became a member of St. James Holiness Church. She was a good and faithful servant, serving as the church secretary and adult Sunday school teacher for more than 40 years. She served as the mother of the church and as a member of St. James Missionary Society. In former years, she had the opportunity to sing with the adult choir and serve as a member of the usher board. She worked with the Progressive Movement for more than 45 years.
Affectionately called “Toe” by her family and friends, she was highly respected by those who had the opportunity to know her. Many sought her advice and looked to her as their second mother. She was a firm disciplinarian and authority figure but had a caring, compassionate spirit that allowed her to reach out to others. She was a woman who stood for the truth and she applied Godly principles in her daily life and in her dealings with others. She never complained about her illness but continued to thank God for all that He had done for her. She had a zest for serving the Lord and her faith in Him never wavered. Her favorite songs were “I’ve Been Through the Storm and the Rain,” “I’m Going to Stay Under the Blood,” “I’ll Fly Away“ and “When We All Get to Heaven.”
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Thomas Brunson, Dewey Brunson, Leslie Brunson and James Gadson; two sisters, Johnnie Mae Gadson Holland and Elizabeth Gadson; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Sharpe Johnson.
Her legacy will be cherished by her husband of 55 years, Solomon Johnson Sr. of Sumter Health and Rehab Center; three sons, Verlyn W. Johnson, Solomon Johnson Jr. and Arnold (Gwendolyn) Johnson of Sumter; a daughter, Pastor Alfreda Johnson of the residence; two brothers, Sam Jr. (Dorothy) Gadson of Gable and Willie (Evelyn) Gadson of Charleston; a nephew and two nieces who she helped rear, Dr. Friendly J. (Flora) Gadson, Genilla (John Henry) Frierson and Mary McDowell, all of Sumter; four grandchildren, Chanelle Johnson of Whiteville, N.C., Solodria James of Hartford, Conn., and Arnold Johnson Jr. and Torin V. Johnson, both of Sumter; a great-grandson, Jacory Makhi Trapp of Hartford; a devoted brother-in-law, Richard (Amanda) Johnson of Horatio; sisters-in-law, Lois Brunson of Durham, N.C., Fannie (Johnnie) Rumph of Columbia, Julia Brunson, Lenell Gadson and Elizabeth Johnson, all of Sumter; four god-grandchildren, Marietta Scarborough of Bishopville, Dalvin Parks, Trinity Frierson and Joshua Richburg-Washington of Sumter; her former first lady, Mother Betty Eaddy of Effingham; her best friend, Sadie (Willis) White of Sumter; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at St. James Holiness Church, where Elder Alfreda Johnson is pastor and Bishop James B. Wilson, eulogist. Assisting were Bishop Robert L. Attaway, Pastor Gloria Cooper, Pastor Dolores Smith, Pastor Linda D. Bailey, Dr. Friendly J. Gadson, Elder Harel Benjamin, Elder Manwello Brown and Minister Vermell Brown.
Interment followed in St. James Churchyard cemetery.
Sumter Funeral Service Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.
