Mary Ann (Baker) Johnson went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Her husband of 51 years, Glenn Johnson (06/02/1941 - 02/07/2024), surprised her as she arrived in Heaven. They had four children, Chad Johnson (Athena), Jessica Birkla (Ty), Kelly Johnson, and Ace Johnson (12/17/1983 - 05/27/2007), who also celebrated her entering Heaven's gates. Five grandchildren: Cody Dobson, Raylee Duncan, Dylan Johnson, Bailey Duncan, and Avery Birkla. And four great-grandchildren, Matthew Ace, Joel, Dean Dobson, and Colson Ace Legawiec.

Mary Ann was born on August 22, 1953, in Louisville, KY, to Bill and Ivy Baker (Edwards). She was the baby girl and youngest of three brothers who loved to spoil their Sissy. Jim Baker (Ce), David Baker (Kathy), and the oldest brother, Bill Baker (Agnes), who welcomed her when she got to Heaven.

She grew up in church, starting at Rockford Lane Baptist Church. Later, she moved to Beth Haven Baptist Church, where her Dad was a deacon and both parents actively worshipped. Even as a child, she called other child visitors, inviting them to youth events. Some were still her very best friends. Later in life, she was a member of Open Door Baptist Church.

She was part of a traveling choir, the Chorileers. She was a summer counselor at the Word of Life camp in NY. She graduated from Valley High School and loved to sing the school song proudly all these years. She attended Tennessee Temple University with scholarships in Math and Art.

Mary Ann met the love of her life, Glenn Johnson, in 1971. They married on August 11, 1972.

She started her career at Great Financial Federal Bank, where her Dad was President. She then began her true passion as a kindergarten teacher at Beth Haven Christian School in 1985 through 2015, after which she retired. She truly loved every single student and their families. Not only to educate them about schooling but also God. Some students would send their kids to her school for kindergarten to have Mrs. Johnson. When the school bell rang to go to their rooms, students of all ages would crowd her room to visit. She always seemed like a "celebrity" wherever she went as you heard, "Mrs. Johnson!". In 2010, she received a proclamation from the mayor of Louisville as Mary Ann Johnson Outstanding Teacher Day for May 25, 2010.

She loved animals. She had five cats and fed every outdoor animal she came in contact with, from cats, birds, squirrels, raccoons, and possums. And she may have even heated up food for them or cut up sandwiches because "they liked it that way." She enjoyed reading, gardening, music (which she always had playing in the house for herself and because "it soothed her cats."), Christmas, card games (the Baker game Rook, Dutch Blitz, Kings in the Corner, and Old Maid), and, of course, chocolate.

But her true passion was Jesus, her family, and loving others. She was a warrior for Christ most lovingly. She always had a smile on her face and a contagious, loud laugh. She never met a stranger and saw the good in everyone. Even on a gloomy day, she found the good in it and loved sharing it with everyone. She truly saw life with "rose-colored" glasses because of her love and relationship with Jesus Christ. She made life magical, like it was Christmas morning.

This world truly lost an angel on Earth. Mary Ann's work here is done, but the love and legacy instilled in others will live on for generations. Well done, good and faithful servant. May we all Live, Laugh, and Love like Mary Ann.

Psalm 16:11

Joined arrangements for Mary Ann and Glenn Johnson's celebration of life will be in several months and announced accordingly.