Mary "Ann" Allison Johnson

Mary “Ann” Allison Johnson, age 86, of Abingdon, Va., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Johnston Memorial Hospital with her children by her side. She was born April 17, 1936, to the late Ernest Allison and Alice Brannon Allison in Saltville, Va.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by three siblings, Maidie Grace DeBord, Samuel Lee Allison, and Garnet W. “Bill” Allison.

Ann graduated from R. B. Worthy High School in Saltville, Va. where she was a cheerleader, played basketball and was crowned Miss Allison’s Gap. Growing up, Ann was a member of the First Christian Church of Allison’s Gap in Saltville, Va. which she continued to keep in touch with and support throughout her life. She graduated from Mary Dalton Frye Private Secretarial School in Abingdon, Va. and also attended nursing school. She was a member of the Abingdon Business and Professional Women’s Club and very active in the Democratic Party. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a tutor at Greendale Elementary School. Ann was a Past Worthy Matron and a Special Ruth with the Abingdon 182 Order of Eastern Star.

Ann made many lifelong friends through her different volunteering opportunities and activities. She played Bridge with a very special group of friends for many years. She was a good, dear friend to many and made each of her friends feel like they were the most special. She enjoyed spending time and visiting with friends and neighbors often taking them fresh bread, pound cake or other goodies. One of Ann’s passions was volunteering at the Johnston Memorial Hospital Gift Shop for more than 20 years. She also volunteered at Faith In Action Food Pantry.

Ann was a member of Abingdon Baptist Church for more than 45 years. She was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, the Brenda Hallock Circle, and sang in the church choir for many years. She also taught vacation Bible school.

Ann loved her family and dedicated her entire life to serving God and her family. She was the absolute best mother and supported and encouraged her children in all their endeavors. On any given day, she might be shagging footballs, playing basketball, telling ghost stories, playing monopoly or rook, throwing Easter Egg Hunts, and traveling to many sporting events to cheer on her children or grandchildren. She did it with all the love in her heart for her children and grandchildren. They brought her so much joy and pleasure. She was the most loving and devoted wife to “her Joe” and supported him throughout his political career, holding down the fort in his absences. She considered herself the most blessed person in the world.

Ann is survived by her husband of 64 years, the Honorable Joseph P. Johnson, Jr.; daughter, Mary Jo Neal and husband, Lewis, of Abingdon, Va; two sons, Joseph P. Johnson, III and wife, Kim, of Inman, S.C. and Judge Sage Brannon Johnson and wife, Bethany, of Abingdon, Va.; six grandchildren: Mary Lewis Huffman and husband, Chad; Ashley Brooke Hemmer and husband, Peter; Mary Catherine Clark and husband, Justin; Joseph Zachary Johnson and wife, Gracin; Finn Alexander Johnson; and William Pickett Johnson; three great grandchildren, Emma Grace Clark, Isley Ann Clark, and Joseph Beckett Johnson.

A funeral ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. in Abingdon Baptist Church, 361 W. Main St., Abingdon, Va., with the Pastor Bill Bryan officiating. A committal service will follow at Knollkreg Memorial Park where Joseph Zachary Johnson, Finn Alexander Johnson, William Pickett Johnson, Chad Huffman, Justin Clark, and Peter Hemmer will serve as pallbearers. Randall Blevins, Jeff Smith, and Teddy DeBord will serve as honorary pallbearers. An Eastern Star Service will be held at the cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Abingdon Baptist Church, or flowers will be accepted.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Mary “Ann” Allison Johnson is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).