Mary Alice Farmer

Mary Alice Johnson was born on September 18th, 1948 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Dorothy Crowley Johnson and Raymond Gilmore Johnson. She came into the world feet first at seven pounds and three ounces. Several minutes later her twin sister, Martha Regina, was born.

Mary’s roots in church started at an early age, by singing in the choir and serving on the junior usher board. These were the Sundays where you stayed in church all day. Sunday school and morning church service were followed by a 4:00 p.m. program, then Sunday night 7:00 p.m. service. Naturally, Mary’s commitment to faithful service continued on throughout her adult life and in the mid-eighties she joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She chaired the Pastor Aid Society and taught the Adult Sunday School class.

In 1990, Mary became a member of Prayer Assembly where once again she shared her gifts through acts of service. She worked in the Children’s Ministry and started the annual Mother Daughter Tea.

By 2001, Mary had moved her membership to Covenant International Ministry. Not surprisingly, she immediately got busy by heading up the Women’s Ministry. Mary continued to work diligently and offered her time along with her creative talents to several more committees: Women’s Advance, Mother Daughter Tea, Prayer Breakfast, and the Women’s Birthday Bash.

Later on, Mary became a member of Kingdom in the Valley Christian Church under Pastor Reginald Steele, who was a good friend.

Mary had a very diverse and distinguished 43-year career as a registered nurse. She obtained her RN certification from Allegheny Community College and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Mary started out gaining vast experience by attending to the sick and hurting in many areas of the hospital, including: ICU, Burn Unit, and Labor and Delivery. Mary determined it was time to slow down her fast pace, so she left the hospital to become a school nurse at Peoria High School.

School nursing opened up more doors and new areas to serve. Mary became an advocate for pregnant teen mothers. She encouraged the students to stay in school, and in turn the school provided services to help with maternity and baby items, as well as free school meals (including breakfast and lunch.) As always, Mary was passionate about serving in any way she could. She also assisted with the Black History community celebration, sponsored SURE Club at PHS (Public Health Services), fed the homeless and regularly sent clothing to womens’ shelters. Mary also acted in the precept role for nursing students from Glendale Community College, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University.

After leaving Peoria High School Mary moved into the role of a correctional health nurse at the Durango Jail, an all-male, minimum security facility located in Maricopa County.

Mary’s genuine gift for giving, educating, and sharing with others reached beyond the scope outside her job. Mary was very generous financially and with her friendship, and she supported other ministries such as Living Water in the Valley Church (under the leadership of Pastor Frank Vargas) and Macedonia Baptist Church (Pastor William Horace, Jr.) Mary loved God, her family, people in general, and called everyone her friend. She also knew how to find balance and to enjoy life.

Mary loved jazz, laughter, and most of all travel. She considered herself blessed to have visited many countries. Most notably, Mary was truly a devoted servant and Woman of God. Her smile could light up the darkest room. And she leaves her best words of wisdom: Live a life full of love and laughter!

Mary is preceded in death by her mother, her father, her twin sister Martha, sister Dorothy Ruth, and brothers Edward and Raymond.

Mary leaves to cherish her loving memory: her two sisters, Tecora Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson both of Pittsburgh, PA; four beautiful children, Marc Anthony Johnson of Pittsburgh, PA; Eboni Cleopatra, Essence China, both of Phoenix, AZ; and Elliott Ashby of Harlem, NY; and her heart - 11 grandchildren: Ayanna (Denzel), Traivon, Isaiah, Hope, Dequay, Marcaya, Kamari, Mattie, Alaya, Marc Anthony Jr., Amir; and one great grandson, Donovan.