Mary J (McCray) Johnson

Mary was called home on September 27, 2020, following a short illness.  M.

Mary Julia Anderson-McCray-Johnson was born on October 20th 1946, in South Carolina to the late Florence Sargent Anderson Parmley. Mary was called home on September 27th, 2020 in Conway, SC. Mary attended and graduated from Whittemore High School in Conway and moved to New York City following her graduation. While in New York, She began working at Kings County Hospital Center (KCHC) in Brooklyn, NY in their nursing department.

She also reconnected with other fellow Conway residents who moved to New York, including William “Buddy” McCray. Mary and William married, had 3 children, and moved to Rochdale Village. The family became members of Allen AME Church in Queens, New York. Following the passing of William in 1991, Mary continued to work hard to support her family. While doing so, Mary graduated with her Associates Degree in Science from Queensborough Community College in 1997. She continued her family’s legacy of Mason/ Order of Eastern Star (OES) membership in New York. Due to her increased professional credentials and training, Mary accepted a position in the Phlebotomy department of KCHC until her retirement. While retired, Mary returned to Conway and became a member of Bethel AME Church and worked at the Samaritan House providing goods to others in need. Mary also joined her local OES chapter where she was later elected Treasurer and then Worthy Matron. During her time in Conway, Mary reconnected with her Harold Johnson. The pair were married on July 7, 2018 in a small wedding attended by their children and grandchildren. Mary believed in remaining mentally and physically active as long as possible. She typically exercised daily, worked a consistent schedule with Samaritan House, maintained her duties with OES (including travels), traveled to and with family including the Caribbean Islands, was an active member of her church, and attended bible study. Mary is survived by husband Harold Johnson; children: Turina Johnson, Malik D. McCray, Kendra R. McCray and Cheridah N. McCray; grandchildren: Tanay F. A. McCray, Rahkeem K. Wells, Dáton-Shyquan McCray, Daemon D. A. McCray-Diaz, Kaylyn Evans, Sierra Evans, Kalesha Dewitt, and Jermaine Morris; great grandchildren: Tra’Main J. W. Stokely, and Sadè A. Stokely; her sisters Julia Anderson and Shirly Brantley (her brother Ranie Jefferson Anderson preceded her); brother-in-law Frank Brantley; her nieces and nephews and a puppy. Although she will be missed, she will be greatly remembered.

There will be a graveside services at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 11:00 A.

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