Mary Johnson

The Story of Sister Mary Fontella Wilson Johnson Sister Mary Fontella Wilson Johnson was born in Bessemer, Alabama on January 17, 1907. She was the first born of twelve siblings to Wesley and Addie Bell Wilson. She was a graduate of Dunbar High School in Bessemer, AL. She received from the State of Alabama, Department of Education and Division of Teacher Training and Certification; a Pre-Normal Certificate Authorizing Mary Fontella Wilson to teach grade one to nine in the school system. At the age of eleven, Sister Johnson confessed hope in Christ and joined Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Bessemer. Her early Christian training allowed her to give much of herself to the development and progress of Allen Temple Church. She was a devoted member for over 95 years. She was married to the late J.B. Johnson who served as Sunday School Superintendent of Allen Temple. Sister Johnson worked diligently by his side and they attended several of the A.M.E. General Conferences during her lifetime. In her active years at Allen Temple, she served in many capacities including teacher of the Beginners Card Class; a member of the Senior Choir; the Allenites; the Stewardesses Board and Senior Missionary Society. Long before Blacks were accepted in hotels and restaurants, in the city of Bessemer, Sister Johnson's home was the house where Bishops and other dignitaries were taken care of while holding annual church conferences and church business meetings. As she grew older she talked daily about Allen Temple and what used to happen at church. She was a living "History Book". Sister Johnson, aside from her church work, exhibited much love for children. While caring for her own siblings as a mother figure she also cared for children in the church and community. She had a love for sewing and used this gift to make clothing for the children of the church. She was responsible for making chair cover, covers for the alter table and pulpit podium. She enjoyed sewing for church members and her family. Sister Johnson was known by several names. Her immediate family affectionately called her "Sis", "Aunt Mary", and "Nana"; and her husband's favorite name was "Sugar". One of her favorite names given to her by the late Mrs. Eula Dixon was "Toots". In fact all these names fit her loving personality. As she declined in years she became quite funny, entertaining everyone with her wit, humor, and stories. She was always happy and had a big smile on her face for everyone. She loved the Lord and people. "As A Centenarian" Sister Mary Fontella Johnson received many proclamations, tributes, recognitions and awards from the following: President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama Governor Bob Riley, State of Alabama Mayor Kenneth Gully, City of Bessemer The City Council of Bessemer, District 3 Black Heritage Award - Allen Temple A.M.E. Church Fruit of the Spirit Award: Received for her spirit of gentleness at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church. The Primary Sunday School classroom was dedicated as the "Mary F. Johnson Classroom" in her honor at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church. The Communion Table at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church bares a plaque with her name as recognition for the donation and as evidence of her love and generosity towards her church. Sister Johnson made the transition from labor to reward on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Trinity Hospital, Birmingham at 10:45 A.M. From her birth until God called her home at 106 years and six months, she was a gift from God and a blessing to all the lives she touched. Sister Mary Fontella Wilson Johnson leaves to cherish her memories: one devoted sister, Jessie W. Studemeyer; brother, Alvin Wilson; step-daughters, Cecelia Crum, Ann Nicholson, Detroit, MI; nieces, Geraldine W. (William) Truss, Nellie Wright, Bloomfield, CT, Mamye J. Moseley, Corrine Coleman, Tonya (Andre) Burrell, Charnessa (Ted) Moore, LaTonya Baggs; nephews, Anthony (Katie) Truss, Harrison D. Wilson, Charles Wright, Manchester, CT, Donnie (Charlene) Baggs, Alfred (Irene) Moseley, Fred Swann; a host of friends and the Allen Temple Church family.