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Mary Beth Lea Johnson departed this life at 5 o'clock am on Thursday morning May 21, 2026 at the Baylor Scott and White Trauma Center in Temple, Texas. Mary was born on May 29, 1943, the daughter of Jeff Lea and Enda Williams Kirby. Mary accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized into the church at Old Saint Mark Baptist Church, Louisiana. Sister Johnson met and married George Edward Johnson Jr., on September 28, 1963 and through this union they were blessed with two daughters, Cynthia Joyce Johnson - Jones and Carlenthia Renee Johnson. Sister Johnson was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Lockport, Illinois. There she served in the Greater United Choir, also as the choir president and a devoted member of the Women's Ministry. Mary was also a member of her High School choir and participated in school competitions and several parades. Upon relocating to Pflugerville, Texas, Sister Johnson and her husband George united with Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor A.W. Anthony Mays. Sister Johnson attended Louisiana Public School and graduated from Batchelor High School in 1962. Mary and her husband George lived and worked in Baton Rouge, Louisiana prior to relocating to the Chicago, Illinois and Joliet, Illinois area where she worked in mail processing for the Kodak Company, as a Bank Teller at First National Bank and a Paraprofessional at Joliet West High School. Mary was also Co-Owner and operator of a furniture store with her husband. Sister Johnson also owned a pre-school home day care center. She later worked for United Cerebral Palsy until she and her husband retired and relocated to Pflugerville, Texas, where she has lived for over 17 years. Prior to retirement Mary and her husband enjoyed camping and were members of the Black Campers Group. They traveled to several states including the upper Midwest and Canada during the summer months. Sister Johnson and her husband also enjoyed going on cruises and loved to travel to various places in California, Nevada, Georgia and their home state of Louisiana to visit family and friends. Sister Johnson always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. Sister Johnson is preceded in death by her parents and her husband George E. Johnson, her daughter Cynthia Johnson-Jones, two brothers Tom Lea of Joliet, Illinois, and Riley Kirby of San Antonio, Texas. Mary is survived by her daughter Carlenthia Johnson, and two sisters Octavia Kirby-Veal, of New Orleans, Louisiana and Mae Alice Kirby of Springfield, Illinois, three sisters-in-law; Vera Lea, of Joliet, Illinois, Audrey Johnson, of Lockport, Illinois and Carolyn Gross of Chicago, Illinois. She also leaves behind four Grandchildren; Latashula Johnson, Latoya Harris (Quincy), Chenell Jones, and Chance Barrett, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Sister Johnson is the godmother of Minister Brandon Dorris (Savitri) of Chandler, Arizona and Bryon Dorris of Joliet, Illinois. Sister Johnson also leave behind her church family especially the woman of Dorcas Circle here at The Mount Sinai Baptist Church; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of family and friends. Mary’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew and loved her. A woman of unwavering faith, she was a true blessing in the lives of many and touched countless hearts with her love, kindness, and grace. She deeply loved her family above all and brought comfort, strength, and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, love, faith, and beautiful spirit will leave a lasting mark on many lives and her memory will be truly treasured forever for all who knew her.

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Mary Beth Johnson

May 29, 1943 - May 21, 2026