Mary Madeline Johnson

Mary Madeline (Murray) Johnson, age 99, passed away in her home under the care of Hospice on July 25, 2025. She was the widow of Audrey (“Art”) Johnson who preceded her in death in 2005. She was mother to Douglas (Ruth) Johnson, and Cheryl (Bob) Bayless, grandmother to Diana, Robert (“Bobby”), Stacy, and Lisa, and great-grandmother of Adam, Kristen, Kalie, Ryan, Dylan, and Colin. She was an aunt and great aunt to the nieces and nephews who live in New York and New Jersey, and she was a much-loved aunt to her husband’s nieces Lois and Barbara. She grew particularly close to her husband’s sisters Etta and Faye, who also preceded her in death.

Mary Madeline was born in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York in 1925, and was a member of her beloved Murray clan: father James Murray, mother Anna (Lotito) Murray, sisters Anna, Helen, Rita, Rose Marie, and brothers Thomas, Frank, Jimmy, and Johnny who have all preceded her in death. She shared her loving memories and stories and stayed connected with her Murray family all her life. Everyone who knew and loved Mary Madeline knew that she was a kind, honest and compassionate person with a strong Christian faith, but occasionally she did reveal her spicy “Murray” Irish/Italian heritage, her New York City upbringing and personality traits her entire life!

Mary lived her life with a deep love of her siblings, their children, her own two children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her Christian faith. She was a faithful member of North Dayton Baptist Church for over 50 years, during which time she made numerous and wonderful friends who never failed to lift her up during challenging times. She especially enjoyed the young children and often taught Sunday school classes at NDBC.

Mary worked for many years in the meat and deli departments at Liberal Markets until the company closed, and then she worked at Kash N Karry until she retired at age 62. She told several stories of the occasional colorful characters she encountered in her years of working in the grocery store business.

All of Mary’s family wish to extend a special thank-you and deep appreciation to the home care givers from Lavender Home Care Solutions, especially to her buddy Missi for all her kindness and support, and to all the Dynamic Senior Solutions staff who helped provide care for her within her home. Also, a heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the excellent support and care that she received from the nurses and staff of the Hospice of Dayton.

The funeral and celebration of her life will be held at Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio on August 4 beginning with a visitation from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A memorial service at Tobias will begin at 11:30 a.m. and immediately following the services, she will be transported to her final resting place beside her husband of 60 years at Mt. Zion Park in Beavercreek. Following the burial services, all friends and family are welcome and invited to return to Tobias Funeral Home for lunch and refreshments, to celebrate and share memories and stories of the long life of Mary Madeline Murray Johnson. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your favorite non-profit organization or to Hospice of Dayton, in her memory.