Obituary

Mary L. Johnson passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in Hanover Park, Illinois, at the age of 95.

Born on January 27, 1930, in Wilson, North Carolina, Mary was the daughter of Rev. Marion G. and Lillie Lyerly (née Fleming). She spent her early years in Poplar Tent, North Carolina, where she often accompanied her father on pastoral visits to members of Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church. During World War II, the family relocated to Key West, Florida, and Mary later completed her high school education in Brooksville, Florida.

She graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, and began her professional career with Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. While living there, she attended Westminster Presbyterian Church and met Richard C. Johnson. They married in 1956 and shared a life that included several moves across the country.

Of all the places they lived, Tallahassee, Florida remained especially dear to Mary. There, she found a cherished church community and became an enthusiastic supporter of the Florida State Seminoles.

Mary was a devoted mother to Lars R. Johnson (Linda Johnson) and Mary Kathryn Stone. She was also a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Anna Johnson; Timothy (Karena) Johnson; Kimberly (Nick) Hudson; Andrew (Torre) Johnson; Linnea Johnson; Bethany Johnson; Abigail Johnson; Grace (Daniel) Himebook; Joshua Stone; Benjamin Stone; and Melody Stone. She was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Harlan and Lanner Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard C. Johnson; her parents; and her brother, William G. Lyerly.

Mary's life was one of faith, family, and enduring warmth. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.