Mary E. Walker Johnson

Mary E. Walker Johnson, 93, of Hartford, CT, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. Born July 29, 1932, in Santuc, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. Walker and Bessie Bell Jeter-Walker and one of five children. Her family affectionately called her "May".
Mary accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of Thomas Chapel AME Church in Santuc, SC. She graduated from Allen University with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and began her teaching career in the Union County School System.
After living in Aliquippa, PA, and Detroit, MI, she settled in Hartford, CT in 1961. She joined Bethel AME Church under Rev. J. Blanton Shields, serving faithfully in the Viola Fludd Missionary Society, the Mildred Foster Stewardess and Deaconess Board, and the Priscilla J. Green Lay Organization. Known as the "Mother of the Church," she remained an active and devoted member of her church community.
In 1962, Mary married the love of her life, Ralph C. Johnson, and together they welcomed their daughter, Sherry Patricia Johnson. She was known for her warm spirit, joyful Christmas gatherings, famous fish fry's, and the love she extended to everyone she met. Strong-willed and fiercely independent, Mary lived life on her own terms. She enjoyed traveling, attending church events, and spending time with her family-moments that brought her the greatest joy.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ralph, and her siblings Jerry Lee and Lewis. Her memory will be forever cherished by her daughter Sherry Johnson of Hartford; granddaughter Amber Trice (Byheem); sister Dorothy Davis of Detroit, MI; brother Joseph Walker (Ida Mae) of Union, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and a beloved church family.
Mary's grace, faith, strength, and kindness touched countless lives. Her legacy of love will continue to shine through all who knew her.