Mary Cleo (Ball) Johnson

Mary Johnson was born Mary Cleo Ball to E.L. Payno and Clinton Ball on November 30, 1940, in Turrell, Arkansas.

Her husband, Willie (W.J.) Johnson, and daughter, Clarissa Wilbourn, preceded her in death.

Mary confessed hope in Christ at an early age and attended First Baptist Church, now known as Twelfth Street. On July 19, 1959, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Willie (W.J.) Johnson, Jr. To this union was born seven children, four boys and three girls. She worked at Brown Shoe Company for 17 years to later receive an Administrative Degree. She also loved sewing, singing, and spending time with her family.

Mary later united with St. Paul M.B. Church for over 60 years. She sang in the Old Ship of Zion Radio Choir and served as the announcer from 1970 until it went off the air.

She also took on the role of the church secretary, Mary sang in a trio with her mother and daughter with songs she wrote. She furthered her music career and became an accredited song writer of, So Glad He Rose, and Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled.

Mary moved to Petersburg, VA, in July and joined Christian Tabernacle under the leadership of Bishop Kenneth and Pastor Michelle Hicks until her passing. She leaves to cherish her memory,

Her children: Willie K. (Andrea) Johnson of Effort, PA, Michael A. Johnson of Goldsboro, NC, Abalene J. Simmons (Chris) Wilbourn of Petersburg, VA, Hosie L. (Shiley) Johnson of Killeen, TX, Marlon D. Johnson (Marquetta) of Hayti, MO, and Elisa C. Johnson of Caruthersville, MO. She also leaves behind eleven Grandchildren, twenty-three Great Grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1:00 pm at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Caruthersville, Missouri, with Pastor Dyer officiating. Interment in Morgan Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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