Mary JO Johnson

Mary Jo Johnson passed away on September 10, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. Born September 19, 1935 in Lamar, Colorado to Alphonso M. and Myrtle Salter Roach, she grew up in Guymon, Oklahoma. She graduated from Guymon High School and Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She also earned a master’s degree in education from Bradley University. Mary Jo was a career educator, teaching in Amarillo, Texas; Charlottesville, Virginia; East Lansing, Michigan; and Peoria, Illinois. She was long time resident of Peoria before moving to the Phoenix area in 1991. She loved helping children, and was very proud of the children she taught, had a huge heart, and never met anyone who was a stranger. She was very involved with her church, and worked with the United Methodist Annual Conference Center for several years. Mary Jo is survived by her beloved husband Robert E. Johnson; her son and daughter‐in‐law John and Jennifer Mathis of Richardson, Texas; daughter and son‐in‐law Ann Mathis and Steve Gubser of Houston, Texas; step‐son Darel Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona, step‐daughter and husband Bobbi and Buddy Hamby of Lake Arrowhead, California; granddaughters Taylor Mathis, Chandler Mathis and Brooke Hamby, grandsons Brandon and Bryan Hamby; brother Max Roach of Denver, Colorado, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and a great host of friends. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10am Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church, 7201 W. Beardsley Road, Glendale, Arizona, 85308. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to UMOM New Day Centers, 3333 E. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85008, or online at www.umom.org/donate.