Mary Nell Johnson

Mary Nell Johnson's 90-year journey on Earth ended on April 5, 2021, when she passed peacefully in her sleep.

She was born fifth of 10 children to Fritz and Mary Hopper in Priddy, Texas, during the Great Depression. Growing up on a farm, she learned hard work and survival skills at a young age.

Her sister Malinda and husband Gerald Phillips, Raymond's friend, introduced the two. They married in July 1949, and made Abilene their home for most of their 58-year marriage.

She devoted her life to her husband and four children. Mary Nell was the first Bible teacher for each of her children. She instilled strong values in them that have served her children well in life. She was also always their strongest supporter.

After her mentally challenged daughter, Julie, was born, Mary Nell's life was consumed with her care, which she continued to do in their home until six years ago. Since then, Julie's mom stressed every day over whether her daughter was being well cared for.

Mary Nell was also a loving daughter, sister, grandmother, neighbor, and friend. She was a caretaker, a great cook, a seamstress, a gardener of both vegetables and flowers, family photographer/videographer, and more. She had great empathy for those who hurt physically or emotionally, and she often cried with them.

Mary Nell's Christian faith was the most important aspect of her life. She was a member of the First Assembly of God church in Abilene for about 70 years, where she was active until her health prevented it.

The family traveled for annual vacations, usually camping, but Mary Nell liked hotels. After Raymond retired, the two took more random trips. After her husband passed, Mary Nell enjoyed travels with her daughter Cathy. She also cherished her time in her daughter Jeanette's home for a couple of years. In her later life, Mary Nell loved to watch Andy Griffith daily.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; grandson Jeremy; son, Ronald; and six sisters.

She is survived by daughters Cathy, Jeanette, and Julie; grandchildren Joshua (Rose), Daniel, Bethany (Jared), Crystal (Zack), and Amanda; several great-grandchildren; brother WJ, and sisters Shirley and Loyce.

Although her address book reveals that she outlived most of her friends and family, her quiet, gentle, compassionate personality will be greatly missed by those who remain.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mary Nell would have been pleased to know that gifts were given in her memory to The Gideons International, Abilene Camp, P. O. Box 2882, Abilene, Texas 79604, or online at gideons.org/donate

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall be there any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4