Mary Agnes Johnson

Please click here to view the live stream of the funeral service. The live stream of the funeral service for Mrs. Mary A. Johnson will begin at 6:00pm on Friday, June 24th.

Mary Agnes Johnson (age 85) of Bowie, Maryland, formerly of Toms River, Asbury Park, and Neptune NJ, and Indianapolis, Indiana, died peacefully at home, surrounded by members of her family, on Saturday, May 28^th.  She was a long-time educator within the Asbury Park NJ school system, teaching middle school. She was a teacher who gave to her students as only a true educator would. In addition to motivating students to be their best selves academically and behaviorally, she provided memorable experiences including trips to New York’s theatre district, and positive reinforcement through a “candy tree”.  She taught successive generations of students who appreciated her and often stopped to say “thank you” or to simply say “hello!” She was a valuable member of the community and positively impacted many lives with her caring spirit.

Mary Johnson was extremely family oriented and supported her children in whatever ways she could. She kept abreast of extended family, visiting Indianapolis whenever she could and attended multiple family reunions.

She loved to travel with friends and often went on cruises, recruiting fellow cruise mates for many adventures. Her travels took her to Alaska, Hawaii, the islands, and many states within the U.S.

Prior to becoming an educator, Mary Johnson graduated from Reading High School, Reading, PA, and Kean University, NJ where she majored in education.

Mary grew up in Reading, PA after her father became ill in Indianapolis and relocated to live with her Aunt Ruth at age nine. As a youth, Mary enjoyed baseball and played incessantly. As a teenager, she played violin in the school orchestra.

Mary is survived by her three children, Mary Lightfoot of Bowie, MD, Edward Johnson IV of Union, NJ and David Johnson of Farmingdale, NJ, grandchildren, David Lightfoot, Edward Johnson, Mariah Lightfoot, and Faith Marlin Johnson, great grandchildren, King Lightfoot, Noah Lightfoot, and Axel Edward Johnson, brother Jerry Hawkins of Indianapolis, Indiana, nieces, and nephews, and a host of friends and community members. She is predeceased by nine siblings, and parents James C. and Sarah Hawkins.