Mary Elizabeth Councilman

Mary “Lib” Elizabeth Johnson Councilman, age 92, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025. Lib was born in Robeson County, NC on March 13, 1933, to the late Henry Percival and Katie Lou Geddie Johnson.

Lib was raised in Rex, NC by Godly parents with her best friend and sister, Ann Norton (1939-2025). Lib graduated from Parkton High School a then obtained a Registered Nursing Degree. After years at the Old Highsmith Hospital in Fayetteville, NC, she took on a role as Plant Nurse at Burlington Industries Textile Plant. Years later with Burlington transferred to their Asheville-Woodfin plant on the banks of the French Broad River. After a company move back East then retirement, Lib started traveling. Her husband, Paul of 34 years and Grandma Lib toured in a motorhome in every state, including Alaska. Lib and Paul moved back to Asheville after their adventures on the road. Lib loved her kids, grandkids and great grandkids; and there were a lot of them. A great Mom with a big heart and a sweet soul that Jesus took into his arms peacefully. Thank you, Lord!

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Councilman, Sr. (1943-2022).

Mary is survived by her son, Joe Tounzen (Robyn); daughters, Rona Johnson, Jo Thomas and Wendy Lovin (Eddie); grandchildren, Reisha, Tara, Miranda, Kelly, Kasey, Garrett, Chase, Alise, Brad and Chad; 19 great grandkids; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Norton and family; Paul’s children, Debora, Lori, Paul, Jr. and Erica; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel with the Reverend Sean McCann officiating.

Family and friends are invited to a light lunch and visitation following the service from 12-4 pm at the home of Joe and Robyn.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Lib's memory to a cousin at International Action Ministries, Inc. c/o Rick and Eunice Johnson, 2610 Galveston St, San Diego, CA 92110.

Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for the Councilman family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com