Marilyn "Mermaid" Johnson

Marilyn "Mermaid" Mays Johnson of Royal, Ar., passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. She was born on April 29, 1962 to Alonzo and Margaret Bell Mays in Chicago, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters; Karen and  Sharon Mays, and grandson De'Andre Mays III. 

Marilyn was a graduate of Calumet High School in Chicago. She married Hugh M. Johnson Jr. on August 28, 2011 and they became members of Pearcy Baptist Church during the same day. She was a former employee of Weyerhaeuser Co., being a chef. She cooked at Jernigan's Cafe, Hester's Cafe, Hot Springs Country Club, Robert Hughes, and Patty's "Down the Road" Cafe's in Royal, AR., and for Hugh Albright and Mike Evans at the Sunshine cafe in Sunshine. 

She is survived by her husband; son, De'Andre T. Mays Sr. (Quina); three grandchildren, Courtland Mays (Drew), De'Andre T. Mays Jr., and Dreland Mays; two great-grandchildren, Chrome and Steel; one niece, Chanece (Chris) Ross and children, Kylan and Karah Ross. She is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and special cousin Pamela (Walter) Harris, childhood friends all of Chicago, and many friends of Hot Springs and Royal areas. 

A memorial service for Marilyn will be held Saturday October 11, 2025 at the Pearcy Baptist Church, with a visitation from 12:00PM - 1:00PM, followed by the service beginning at 1:00PM.