Mary Lee Johnson

Mary Lee Jackson Johnson, 88 years, of Austin, Texas passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2018 after succumbing for many years to the devastating effects of an ongoing illness. Mary was the daughter of Lunette Francois and Edward Jackson born on April 10, 1930 in Galveston, Texas. She is survived by her loving husband, Lester James Johnson, celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary last September.

She is also survived by her daughter Lesma V. Johnson Whalon of Lee's Summit, Missouri; sons Artell V. Johnson (wife Ronda Aldeane) of The Colony, Texas; Enrico F. Johnson (wife Lisa) of Elgin, South Carolina; daughter, Valsine M. Johnson Harrison (husband Ronald) of Schertz, Texas; and sons Zaccarli A. Johnson of Dallas, Texas and Retsel J. Johnson (wife Rosolayn) of Carrollton, Texas. Mary, affectionately known as E-Ma, also contributed to a legacy of 18 grandchildren and a handful of great-grandchildren. Mary leaves behind 3 siblings, Eddie Mae Chatmon of Houston, Texas, James Jackson (wife Sheila) of Texas City, Texas, and Samuel Jackson (wife, Pat) of Ontario, California along with a host of nieces and nephews who knew her as Nanny.

Mary Jackson Johnson was raised in Galveston, Texas. She enjoyed sewing and cooking for her family members. She was the caretaker and protector for her siblings and loved ones. She was 17 years old when she graduated from Central High School to attend Tuskegee University. There she met her husband Lester.

Mary graduated from Tuskegee University with Bachelor of Science in Commercial Dietetics. Lester and Mary married upon college graduation in 1952. Together, they travelled to various states as Mary served as a faithful mother of 6 and an officer's wife during Lester's 20-year stint as an airman in the United States Air Force. During this time, Mary lead women to find and use their voices as a Toast Mistress (Toast Masters International) in Fairbanks, Alaska. She taught women how to be heard in an era that minimized the power of the female.

Mary and their children then accompanied Lester in the transition from San Antonio to Austin, Texas. In San Antonio and Austin, Mary served as both Girl Scout and a Boy Scout troop leader where she nurtured and guided many local youths. Mary also served as the church secretary of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Austin, Texas for 20 years. She was a member of the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver Auxiliary where she served as president for two terms of the Ladies Auxiliary. Her passion was feeding families and providing funds for those in need for the St. Vincent De Paul Society charity organization; Mary also acted as president of this organization or two years. Her life contributions and legacy will live through all who knew her.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:15 A.M., Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. 1610 E. 11th St. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M.

Committal Services will be at 2:00 P.M. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in Mary’s memory to St. Vincent DePaul Society at Holy Cross Catholic Church.