Words never express what the heart wishes to speak. It is with a great sadness that our family announces the passing of Mary Ethel Gill Johnson, of West Monroe, LA, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Francis Medical Center after a long illness.

Funeral services for Mary will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, January 19, 2026, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe, with Dr. Mark Fenn officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. Visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the funeral home in Monroe.

Mary was born on February 1, 1937, to the union of Lena B. Sumerall and Prince Albert Gill in Winnsboro, LA.

Mary attended and graduated from Lake Providence High School. Upon graduation, she attended and graduated from Louisiana Business College in Monroe. Her work ethic was limitless and unequaled; she was commended by employees and employers alike.

In Monroe, she met and married the love of her life Darrell Leon “Fat Cat” Johnson. On November 17, 1956, they were blessed with one son, Darrell Wayne. He was the light of their life. He was taught to fish, hunt and the love of baseball. Wayne became a teacher and a coach. His parents were his biggest fans and supporters. Darrell and Mary celebrated each and every accomplishment with much pride in their son.

Mary was the epitome of the southern lady: genteel in manner, quiet spoken, and always beautifully attired. Those of us who love her best will just say she was “determined.”

To her many nieces and nephews, who thought she was “the Queen”, she was not an aunt but “the AUNT.” She was an aunt, a great aunt, a great great aunt, and a great great great aunt. She shared and bestowed her gifts of generosity, love and support to all of us.

The most special constant in her life was her walk and covenant with God. She was steadfast in her faith, loving service and dedication to her church and savior.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother; father; husband, Darrell L. Johnson; sister-in-law, Mildred J. Kennedy; and nephew, Tommy Kennedy.

Those left to cherish her memory are, her son, Darrell Wayne Johnson (Ms. Jill Roberts); special nieces, Stella Hemphill (Steven), Janice Waldrop (David); nephew, James David Kennedy (Rene); sister-in-law, Mary Ferguson; as well as a host of nieces and nephews; special friends, Pam Hill and Gail Sumrall.

Pallbearers will be James David Kennedy, Steven Hemphill, Kevin Lowrey, Peyton Hemphill, Spencer Hemphill and Jacob Lowrey. The honorary pallbearer will be David Waldrop.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the nursing staff and health care team at St. Francis Medical Center 5th floor Telemetry for their care and kindness to our family.