"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Deaconess Mary Elizabeth Johnson, 80, of 1137 W. Main Street, Waverly Virginia passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at her residence. She was born April 28, 1943, the eldest child of the late Otis A. Burgess, Sr. and the late Ida Burgess.

Mary started her formal education at The Sussex County Training School and finished at Sussex Central High School in 1964. She was employed by the Seward Luggage Company, Petersburg, Virginia for many years. In May of 1974 she was hired by Masonite Corporation in Waverly, Virginia and worked diligently for 29 years until retirement.

Deaconess Johnson was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church, Waverly, Virginia, where she served as a member of the Sanctuary Choir. She loved singing in the choir and attended services faithfully until her health began to decline.

Preceding her in death were her parents; maternal grandmother, Gladys Jones; brother, Otis A. Burgess, Jr.; and grandson, TyQuan Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 58 years, Deacon Leon R. Johnson, Sr., one daughter, Deborah Johnson Ellis (Calvin) of Waverly VA; three sons, Anthony L. Johnson (Mary) of Chester VA; Leon Johnson, Jr. of Chester VA; and Calvin Saunders (Lena) of Waverly, VA; eight sisters, Helen Shaw, Barbara Jackson, Gladys Graves, Gloria Spencer, and Patricia Burgess, all of Waverly VA; Bettie Turner (John) of Disputanta VA; Sheron Burgess of Petersburg, VA; and Sandra Wooden (William) of Hopewell VA; four brothers, James Burgess and Kenneth Burgess, both of Waverly VA; William Burgess (Carlissa) of Chesterfield VA and Curtis Burgess (Azieb) of Stuttgart, Germany; one sister in law, Essie M. Taylor, of Petersburg VA; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; devoted neighbors, Deacon Carlton Perry, Sr. and Deaconess Arlene Perry of Waverly VA; dedicated personal care aide, Catina Garrett of Waverly, VA; a devoted friend, Deaconess Susie Garrett of Waverly VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Her presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of At-Home Hospice Care for their services and support while caring for our loved one during her illness.

A Celebration of Life will be 1:00pm Monday June 26, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Waverly, Virginia, Rev. Bridget Wilson, Pastor & Eulogist.  Interment will follow at First Baptist Church Cemetery.