Maria Johnson Ewell

Maria J. Ewell was born August 11, 1935 in Sumter, SC from the late Alice Atkins Johnson. She came to Washington, DC at an early age to live with her grandparents. She eventually moved in with her Uncle and Aunt and heled them by watching their children during the day and attending school at night.

Maria attended and graduated from Cardoza High School in Washington, DC. She proceeded to further her education by attending MM Washington vocational school and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Maria worked over 20 years at Howard University Hospital as an LPN and a Pulmonary Lab Technician. After working 20 years at Howard University Hospital, she worked 10 years for the D.C. Government as an LPN in a Methadone Clinic and a TB Control Clinic until retiring.

In 1971, Maria met and married the love of her life, John Bernard Ewell. Out of this union, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Angelique Nicole, in 1973 and two grandchildren, Jordan Kayla and Sydney Michelle Weber.

She instilled respect and kindness in her daughter and was the official babysitter and secondary teacher/instructor to each of her two grandchildren (Jordan and Sydney) from birth until they began attending school. When her daughter (Angelique) became ill, Maria moved in with Angelique to care for her and her grandchildren (Jordan and Sydney).

Maria was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who was thought very highly of by all. She loved to read and as a child, would spend her Saturdays at the library. This passion carried over into her adult life as she continued to be an avid reader. Maria was a candid and transparent person who, at times, displayed quick wit and “kept it real.” She was tenacious and strong and yet she could be the sweetest, most caring person at the same time. Her most precious times were ones spent with her family with whom she had a unique and special relationship. She was a phenomenal woman, filled with wisdom and grace. She enjoyed time at the beach and would spend at least one week every year walking along the shore while getting her feet washed by the ocean waves. Walking along the shore was one of Maria’s most cherished moments.

A precious one of us is gone; a voice we love is still. A place is vacant in our hearts that can nevermore be filled.

Maria is survived by her loving and devoted husband, John; two grandchildren, Jordan, and Sydney Weber; a sister-in-law, Edna D. Clark; brother-in-law, Clarence P. Rodgers, a host of other family such as cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends. Maria was preceded in death by two siblings, her daughter, Angelique Nicole Weber and her mother, Alice Atkins Johnson.