Johnnie Mae Johnson

Johnnie Mae Johnson, age 88, a longtime resident of Troy, Alabama, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021, at home surrounded by loved ones. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Green Hills Memorial Cemetery with Reverend Rick Hayes officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Jones, Bob Wells, Bobby McClendon, Jeff Johnson, Joe Johnson, and Mark Jordan. Honorary pallbearers will be members from the Hephzibah Baptist Church Senior Sunday school class. Mrs. Johnson will lie-in-state one hour prior to the service at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Chevrolet may have coined the phrase “Like a Rock”, but Mrs. Johnnie Mae, affectionately loved as “MawMaw,” lived it…through and through. As one of 13 children, she knew what it meant to love (and fight, sometimes) and could truly appreciate the fruits of hard labor. She dedicated more than 40 years as a textile worker with Alatex, and her whole lifetime serving as a loving wife, mother, MawMaw, friend, and good neighbor. MawMaw specialized in the comforts of good Southern cooking often fulfilling special requests for fried cornbread or chicken and dumplings, and answered the call as seamstress when needed to stich stylish dresses for all her grand-girls. She was a faithful servant and active member with Hephzibah Baptist Church with a keen fondness for the fellowship shared in her Sunday school class.  MawMaw had a heart full of sugar and the great gift of never coating that sugar around anything she wanted to share. When MawMaw spoke, it was always the truth, even if sometimes tasted like vinegar. MawMaw stood tall and proud and tough—like a rock. And looking up, her rock was good and strong, all the way around.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by her children, Don Johnson and Janet Johnson (Thomas); grandchildren, Lavonia Maddox, Melissa Hudson, Angela Moore, Brad Johnson, Brandi Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Brooke Johnson Morgan, Chris Johnson, Krystal Johnson, Ally Johnson, Mitch Johnson, and Marleigh Johnson; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and daughters-in-law, Rita Ann Johnson and Cynthia Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, James “Junior” Johnson; sons, Larry “LJ” Johnson, Whalley Johnson, and Johnny Johnson; infant grandson, William Chase Johnson; and daughter-in-law, Ann Watkins Johnson. 

The family wishes to extend many thanks and heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Martha Thomas for her unwavering friendship, compassion, and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Hephzibah Baptist Church (2701 Henderson Highway Troy, AL 36079). Friends and family can sign the guestbook online at www.greenhillsfuneralhome.net. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Johnson family.