- Date Of Birth: May 5, 1932
- Date Of Death: August 5, 2008
- State: North Carolina
The journey of life takes us through transitions, much like the seasons of the year. We experience the miracle of birth, the freedom of childhood, a time to realize adulthood dreams and the joy of living a fulfilled life at peace with ourselves and the Creator. The journey for Mary Ruth Johnson, daughter of the late Jasper Boykin and Lillian Pelican Boykin began on May 5, 1932 in Cumberland County North Carolina. Just a young girl going to Douglas Elementary School in the small town of Eastover, Mary learned academically the things that would be a foundation for life. She was well known for being a good wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She always offered a helping hand, encouraged her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to be good law abiding citizens and to always reach for the stars. She worked at the Cumberland County Law Enforcement Center as a dietary supervisor and retired after twenty-eight years of service. Mary and Willie were joined in union on February 25, 1961. For forty-three years they shared a beautiful life remaining a devoted couple until he preceded her in death on February 4, 2005. During this union four children were born: Joyce, Lisa, Nina and Faytrice Johnson. On August 5, 2008, Mary’s journey ended as an heir according to the promise, she went down to were a quiet river flows from whence no one returns and reached out and touched the face of God. “Oh death where is thy sting? Oh grave where is thy victory?” (1Corinthians 15:55) The final chapter in the book of the life of Mary Johnson has been completed. Her life is witnessed, celebrated and remembered by her family: her four children, Joyce (Mitch) Adams of Fayetteville, NC, Lisa (Darryl) Scales of Fayetteville, NC, Nina (Julian) Anderson of Spring Lake, NC, and Faytrice Johnson of Eastover, NC; five grandchildren, Diona Melvin, Desirrae Anderson, Jamar Scales, Olivia Anderson and Harryson Anderson; two sisters Lillie (Burnis) Waddell and Rachel Graham; one brother, the late Larry Boykin; and a host of other relatives and friends. Along the way a very special person, Vera Stukes Fredricks became a part of the family for her caring, commitment, and selfless dedication.
