Celebrating the Life of JOHNSONMary H.
Mary H.
WORSHIP Order of
Prelude………………………………………………..................................………..……………………… Musician
Processional……………………………..................................………………. Clergy, Family, & Friends
Scripture
Prayer of Comfort.............................................................................Rev. Rosa Laverne DuPree
Musical Selection………..................................................……………………GBC Celebration Choir
Acknowledgements............................................................................................Tinisha Williams
Words of Reflection ……………......….............................................Blanche Roberts, Neighbor
Gregory Robinson, Sr., Son-in-Law Bertha Caldwell, Sister
Timothy Hobgood, Crystal Lake, Tomeshia Johnson, Grandchildren
Barbara Kelley, Ernest Johnson, Jr., Children
Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage
Musical Selection……………..............................................................................……Linda P. Travis
Eulogy …………….………….....……........................................…........Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr.
Recessional
TheLifeof MaryElizabethStallings HobgoodJohnson
On Sunday morning, November 30, 2025, Mary, the widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and aunt was called home to glory. Mary Elizabeth Stallings Hobgood Johnson was born to Gladys Elizabeth Stallings Engram and Geobie Stallings, Sr. (lovingly called Booster) on April 28, 1929, in Louisburg, North Carolina.
Mary grew up serving the LORD as a member of the Allen Chapel Baptist Church of Louisburg, North Carolina, and would later continue her service as a member of Zion Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia.
On February 12, 1984, Mary, along with several other members, came together to establish what is known today as Gethsemane Baptist Church. Mary loved her church, church family and served proudly with the Missionaries and Gleaners. She talked about her pastor to anyone who would listen, and you WOULD listen!
Mary was an exceptional seamstress. She worked for Gloria Manufacturing Company doing so, for over 20 years. Most times, a pattern wasn’t needed because she could sew using your measurements and a cutout she made by hand. Any item of clothing, regardless of having an intricate design, Mary could sew with ease, ensuring it looked exactly like the picture.
Mary was also an amazing cook with her standouts being chicken and dumplings, sweet potato pie and the delicious SOCK IT TO ME cake!
Mary is resting easy now and will remain always in our hearts, but we can’t deny the fact she lived for nine decades, departing her life here at 96 YEARS of age.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ernest Johnson, Sr., sisters Elnora Clay, Lena B. Smith and brother Paul Engram, Jr.
Mary leaves a legacy of memories to be treasured by DAUGHTERS: Barbara H. Kelley, Richmond, VA; Mary Michelle Major, Thomasa Gadson, Hampton, Virginia; Darlene Johnson-Robinson (Gregory), Stafford, Virginia; SONS: Clarence E. Hobgood, Hampton, Virginia; Ernest Johnson, Jr., Panama City, Panama; Emmanuel Johnson, Creedmoor, North Carolina; SISTERS: Ann P. Harris, Bertha Caldwell (Chico) and Rogerline Williamson; BROTHER: Geobie Stallings, Jr.; GRANDCHILDREN: Timothy Hobgood, Crystal Lake, D’Olivera Jones (honorary), Kristen Rambert (Trevor), C. Michael Hobgood (Lovern), Shanair Hobgood, Caleb Hobgood, Amber DuBose, Tomeshia Johnson, Michael Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Jayda Johnson, April Robinson, Jeffrey Robinson (Jennifer), Dr. Gregory Robinson II; GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Raven Kelley, Amari Rambert, Zamyrah Rambert, Joshua Hobgood, Joseph Wilkins, III, Iman Dela Rosa, Makayla Harvey, Carter
McLaughlin, Jaiden Reese, Taurian Robinson, Kameron Robinson-Bryant, Alahni Robinson, Jingim Robinson, Musiq Robinson, Isabela Robinson, Amerie Russell, Adrie Biggs; GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILD: Promiyse Reese; AUNT: Pearline Foster and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
er children rise up and call her blessed ~Proverbs 31:28
“Beyond the Years”
Beyond the years the answer lies, Beyond the years the peace;
To every riddle underneath the skies
There comes a sweet release.
Beyond the years the truth may be, That now is far away; Yet steadfast faith and hope and charity
Shall make the darkness day.
Beyond the years the soul shall find That endless rest is best; For God is good, and life is kind, And all things lead to rest.
— Paul Laurence Dunbar
Acknowledgments
Thank you for all the calls, letters, thoughts, support, prayer and love shown to our family, the lineage of Mary Elizabeth Stallings Hobgood Johnson, during our time of remembering her life.
A special thank you is extended to our cousin, Cheryl McNeal for spending countless hours, talking, laughing and reminiscing with our mom... and don’t forget the KFC.
Pallbearers
Floral Bearers Grandsons
Granddaughters
