Mary Elizabeth Newton-Johnson

She was born on July 14, 1933, in Tennessee to the late Brooks and Odessa (Love) Newton.

Born and raised in Memphis, Mary was the eldest of eight children. From a young age, she stood out for her energy and spirit. She ran track, played snare drum and cymbals in the school band, and proudly sported her beloved Converse high tops, which she affectionately called her “Buddies”.

Mary met and married L.T. Jones, and together they began their family. Two years after the birth of their first child, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they went on to raise three more children. Following L.T.’s passing, Mary found love again and married Melvin Johnson, who had three children of his own. Together, they blended their families and built a loving home on Lumford Place.

Summers in the Johnson household were full of adventure. Mary, Melvin, and six of their seven children crisscrossed the United States in the holiday Rambler trailer, even venturing into Canada and Mexico. These trips were more than vacations. They were hands-on lessons in history, geography and the beauty of human connection. After their children were grown and into their own lives, Mary and Melvin continued their travels with the Buckeye Explorers African American travel group, ultimately visiting nearly every state in the country. They were devoted members of Gaines United Methodist Church where they attended services each Sunday.

After Melvin’s death in 1991, Mary continued to dedicate herself to her work in the Cincinnati Public School system, serving as secretary and quietly touching the lives of countless children. She worked at Woodford Elementary School until deciding to return to Memphis to be closer to her siblings.

Never one to sit still, she moved one final time to Fredericksburg, VA to be closer to her daughters. She eagerly worked and volunteered, keeping herself busy. She continued her faith, finding and attending service and bible study at Crossroads Baptist Church.

Mary lived a life rooted in family, faith, curiosity, and strength. She was a mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and traveler. She was a woman who loved deeply, laughed often, and never stopped moving forward.

Predeceased by her parents; two husbands: L.T. Jones and Melvin C. Johnson, Sr.; siblings: Carl Newton, Albert Newton, Ezekiel “Zach” Newton and Gwen Newton; son Melvin C. Johnson, Jr.; granddaughters: MiSean Johnson and Tiffany Dickerson.

Survivors include children: Robert Johnson (Pat Johnson), Elton Jones (Sheila John), Terri Dickerson (Dale Napper), Rita Dooley (Thomas “Steve” Dooley, Sr.), Barbara Kippins and Reginald Jones (Roberta); sisters: Hattie Owens, Joyce Wilson (Johnny Wilson) and Cynthia “Raye” Hughley; grandchildren: Cleveland Dickerson, Jr., Melvin C. Johnson III, Corey Johnson, Stephanie Dooley (Gregory Gill), Robyn Johnson, Thomas Dooley, Jr. (Julia Dooley), Jonathan Kippins (Kiera Kippins), Damara Kippins-Graham (Jeremy Graham), Trivara Jones and Crystal Jones; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossroads Baptist Church, 4236 Lee Hill School Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Ken Biggs officiating. A repast will follow at the church.