Mary Elizabeth "Libba" Johnson

Mary Elizabeth (Libba) Johnson passed away on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 at her home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with her family at her side. Her death marked the conclusion of several years of suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, and its many complicating effects.

Libba was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina on October 19, 1947. She grew up in the small nearby community of West End, where she developed a love of music and quickly distinguished herself as a student, eventually attending Salem Academy in Winston-Salem. Following her graduation in 1965, she was admitted to Duke University, where she earned a place on the Dean’s List studying Education.

While at Duke, Libba met Peter Blunt. The two married in 1967, had a daughter, and moved to Denver, Colorado in 1968. The 15 year marriage brought her two more children and a large extended family. She completed her degree at the University of Colorado at Denver, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Libba was hired by Mountain Bell (later US West) as a service representative and steadily advanced over the next 18 years, eventually leading a large team of programmers as a systems analyst.

Libba left US West to pursue her love of psychology, ultimately moving to Boulder, CO. She graduated from Naropa Institute with a Master of Arts in Psychology, Contemplative Psychotherapy in 1990. While in Boulder, she rekindled her passion for music, serving in the Unity of Boulder Choir for 26 years. There, she met Tom Wamsley, whom she married in 2004.

Libba spent much of the remainder of her life devoted to family. She treasured her role as “Granna,” forging cherished, personal connections with each grandchild, and was a committed supporter of their endeavors. She drove hours in all kinds of weather to attend games and recitals, and flew miles to be at birthday parties. Her selfless dedication to the care and support of her aging parents led her back to her childhood home, where for extended stays she advocated for them. Applying her natural gifts of empathy, dependability and sensitivity, she balanced the needs of family, calendar in hand, to be available to everyone she loved. Libba will be fondly remembered for her beautiful smile, sympathetic eyes, and unwavering kindness.

Libba is preceded in death by her parents, William A. Johnson, Jr. and Lois Morgan Johnson, and her grandmother, Mary V. Johnson, whom she treasured as “Memother.”

She is survived by Tom Wamsley, her husband of 19 years, a daughter Martha Petersen (Mitch) and children Mandy, Abby & Matt of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, a son Carl Blunt (Tracy) and children Tommy, Charlie & Henry of Johns Creek, Georgia, and a daughter Melissa Dittmar (Justin) and children Annabella, Alexander and Ellie of Centennial, Colorado. She is also survived by brothers William Johnson of Roswell, Georgia, Dr. Stephen Johnson of Lynchburg, Virginia and Mark Johnson of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

A funeral will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 25th at Olinger Chapel Hill, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd., Centennial, CO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Silent Unity at 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO 64065.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the family.