Mary Virginia Johnson

Mary Virginia Brooks Johnson passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Asheville, North Carolina. She was born August 22, 1931, in Lexington, Kentucky, to the late Herbert and Virginia Kraft Brooks. Mary Virginia met her husband, James T. Johnson, while working at the University of Kentucky. They married in August, 1951 and were married for 62 years. Following Jim's time in the military, they made their home in Western Kentucky where their four children were born. After moving to Arkansas in 1969, they enjoyed many friendships from attending Rose City Cumberland Presbyterian Church and later Sardis United Methodist Church. Jim and Mary Virginia shared a love of cooking and frequently entertained in their home and especially enjoyed hosting family for holiday meals. They also loved to travel and were able to visit most of the United States and many places around the world, but they particularly enjoyed extended visits to see their grandchildren. Mary Virginia was a great neighbor to many in her community and her church.

In addition to her parents, Mary Virginia was preceded in death by her husband in 2013.

She is survived by her children, Dwain Johnson (Linda) of Huffman, Texas, Ginny Painter (Ladd) of Asheville, North Carolina, David Johnson (Sherri) of Tallahassee, Florida, and JT Johnson (Lori) of Norman, Oklahoma; grandchildren Jonathan Price (Melissa), Matthew Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Sarah Price, Jimi Johnson (Haley), Eric Johnson (Priscilla), Ryan Johnson, Kyle Johnson and Analee Johnson; great-grandchildren Kinlee and Wyatt Johnson and David and Natalie Price.

A memorial service will be held August 5, 2023, at 1:30 pm at Sardis United Methodist Church, Bauxite, Arkansas, with visitation at the church an hour prior to the service. Internment will be at Forest Hills Cemetery, Alexander, Arkansas, at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brooks-Howell Home Employee Fund, 266 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801 or Sardis United Methodist Church, 10715 Sardis Road, Bauxite, Arkansas, 72011.