Mary Johnson

Mother Mary Louise Johnson , Age 95, of Orlando, FL, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Fort Myers, Florida at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Robert Lewis. She was born on May 09, 1929 in Kankakee, Illinois to the union of Mary Francis and Norris Zeke Crossey, Sr. She was the eldest of four children. Siblings, Norris Z. Crossley, Jr., Joan Ballenger and Curtis Crossley. She was baptized in Jesus name in 1970 at the House of Prayer Apostolic Faith Church #1 in Kankakee, IL by the late Dr. Ella M. Davis. She was a member of the Missionary Board and the Usher Board Auxiliary. Mary was a graduate of Kankakee High School. Mary enjoyed Home Economics Classes and participating in the Girl Scouts of America. Mother Johnson was married to the late Robert B. Johnson. She was a loving and devoted mother to six children. Mother Johnson retired from Shapiro Development Center in Kankakee, Illinois and Macy’s Corporation in Orlando, Florida. She was known for her exemplary work ethic, dedication, and service to her community. She was awarded Employee of the Year at the Macy’s Corporation for her remarkable and diligent performance during her employment. Mary L. Johnson was the eldest mother of her Church, The Sanctuary of Praise Ministries of Orlando, Florida under the Pastorship of Johnathan L. McKnight. She was a Prayer Warrior and Anointed Woman of God. Mother Johnson was known for casting out devils, and her pristine Sanctified Fashion Elegance. She leaves to cherish in her memory, her children, Alicia J. (Robert) Jones of Shorewood IL, Gaylord J. Gathing of Kankakee, IL, Gail J. (Robert) Lewis of Fort Myers, FL, Jess Cecil (Jan) Gathing, Jr. of Kankakee, IL, Cornell A. Gathing of Sacramento, CA and James W. Johnson of Crestwood, IL; her brother, Curtis Crossley of Kankakee, IL; God daughter, Terry A. Lloyd; grandchildren, Andrea (Michael) Breath, Clifford (Kitta) Martin, Dante Gathing, Gabriel Jordan, Crystal Jordan, Danielle Gathing, Shannon Jordan, Brandon Lewis, Whitney (Norman) Lewis-Goodson, Jessica Gathing, Jaime Gathing, Jeremy (Layla) Gathing and Jason (Ayo) Gathing, and a host of great-grandchildren. She was the favorite Aunt, friend and surrogate mother to many. Mother Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Norris Z. Crossley, Sr.; her siblings, Norris Z. Crossley, Jr. and Joan Ballenger; her children, Veta Livingstone and Samuel Cotton; grandsons, Cornell Allen Gathing, Jr and Denarius Lewis, and God son, Willie Lloyd. Mother Mary L. Johnson’s legacy shall live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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Mary Johnson

May 9, 1929 - February 28, 2025