Mary Ellen Johnson

Mrs. Mary Ellen Johnson, 84, of Garland, Texas formerly of Huntingdon, Tennessee passed away Sunday.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00AM Saturday May 20, 2023 at Clark Street Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Humbles Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home on Friday from 6:00PM until 8:00PM.

Mary Ellen Johnson courageously departed her earthly vessel on May 14, 2023at the age of 84.  She was born December 26, 1938 in Huntingdon, TN to the parents of the late Charlie and Dozie Arnold.  She accepted Christ at an early age and began her Christian journey at Clark Street Missionary Baptist Churchand for a season, served and worshipped at Smyrna Baptist Church.  She was a member of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, Garland, TX, when she transitioned into the arms of the Lord. 

Mary attended Huntington High School and later enthusiastically obtained her GED.  She worked hard all her life from an early age exhibiting excellent work ethics.  If you were to ask her which vocations connected most with her calling, she would say that working as a Home Health Aid for the Department of Human Services in Lexington, TN, and working as a Certified Nurse Assistance at Timberlawn Behavioral Health Center in Dallas, TX.

She was a very kind-hearted woman of God who could bring beauty from ashes.  Her home was adorned with an attractive and classy touch; highlighting her creativity throughout.  She also had the gift of encouragement and discernment.  Thus, she knew how to build you up, as well as offer wise counsel.  She was a very strong anddetermined woman who could achieve anything she put her mind to. Her wisdom was profound and her sense of humor was simply amazing.  She also had a smile that would light up any room.  Additionally, she could set you straight in a way that made you feel disciplined, loved, and tickled at the same time.Mary’s children and grand-children had the privilege of experiencing these blessings often and will tell you that she was the best mother on this side of heaven.  She demonstrated for them the true meaning of love and often sacrificed her needs and desires to meet theirs.  Mary loved the Lord and always encouraged her children to draw close to the Lord.  Her children cherished and adored her.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory Darryl Arnold of Los Angeles, CA, Millicent Albert (Elie) of Wylie, TX, Clyde Loundon (Phyllis) of Bath Springs, TX, Gregory Loundon of Huntingdon, TN, and Sonya Nugent (Earnest) of Garland, TX.  A special nephew, Billy Cunningham (Mary), who was like a brother.  Six step-children, Alma Mays (Steven), Linda Willis, Andrea Johnson, Robert Johnson, Charles Johnson (Jackie), and Corey Johnson (Kim).  Eleven grandchildren; Terry Arnold II, Michael Cunningham, Timothy Arnold, Talesa Williams, Chris Johnson, Cassy Loundon, Kamillya Johnson, Blake Loundon, Greg Loundon, Crystal Loundon, and E. J. Albert; sixteen great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Dozie Arnold, husband Lester Johnson; three sons, Timothy Arnold, Terry Arnold, and Rodney Arnold;siblings Callie Arnold, Louise Ooten, Pauline Arnold, J.D. Arnold, and L.T. Arnold.

Mary was a beautiful, strong spirited woman of God, whose resilience and sense of perseverance will always be a part of her legacy.  She is already deeply missed and will always have a place in the hearts of her family and friends.

Dilday-Carter Funeral Home in charge of arrangements 731-986-8281.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ellen Johnson, please visit our floral store.