Mabel Lee Johnson

February 13th, 1920 - January 22nd, 2019

Mabel's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Mabel here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Mrs. Johnson was my third grade teacher at Fairview Elementary School in El Dorado, Arkansas. Mrs. Johnson was one of my favorite teachers and I shall never forget her. She exposed us to such a variety of experiences during that year. On one occasion, she invited guest speakers to our class and they shared information about their trip to Germany. It was so interesting and while there, they taught us a song and I remember most of that song today. I reconnected with Mrs. Johnson about 20 years ago and we communicated by phone and letters. I still have the letters she wrote to me in her beautiful penmanship. She taught me so well that I also became a third grade teacher. Later as an administrator, when I was asked to speak to new teachers about my most influential teacher, of course it was non other than Mrs. Johnson. What a remarkable lady!

Gloria Soldon-Snowden

February 6th, 2019 at 12:00am

Please, accept my sincere condolence for the lost of your mother and our first grade teacher. She often talked to us about establishing a good foundation, we all had that because of Mrs. Johnson’s influence. She is responsible all the success of her first grade class of 1961-62. In fact, she was still encouraging me in my sixties. Thank you for sharing one of the greatest educators ever with our class. Jerry Wayne Cheatom

Jerry Wayne Cheatom

February 1st, 2019 at 12:00am

Mrs. Johnson was my first grade teacher at Carver Elementary School in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was like a mother to her students so loving, caring, compassionate and so much more. So afraid to take that first step into the school, I remember Pastor TP Johnson filmed me walking to the building looking back at my mom, Mrs. Samella Jackson. New to such a camera, he instructed me to just walk up the sidewalk and there she was. Mrs. Mabel met me and we walked in together. I loved her from the moment she took my hand at 6yrs old and lead me into a world of learning. She opened us up to life and started us on our way. I have never forgotten her nor failed to mention the times at Carver School with Mrs. Mabel. Mabel Pauline, I know God has smiled on you for the life you have lived in caring for your mom. May He Grace you at this time and in the days ahead. Carver Kids will always hold her dear in their hearts. We love you Honorable Judge Mabel Pauline Johnson Mayfield as the beautiful daughter you were to our Mrs. Mabel.

Charlotte Anne Jackson Williams

February 1st, 2019 at 12:00am

Mrs. Johnson's blessed life was a testament to God's faithfulness! Indeed, her life included many experiences that enriched her, her family and her community. I am saddened by her passing but content that she will receive the heavenly prize of eternal life that she "earned" by her service to the Lord! To my Soror Mabel and family, just rest in the precious memories that you will forever hold in your hearts. Know that while Andrew and I offer our sincerest condolences, we rest in the faith that your mother was the epitome of a Child of the King! "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant". Know that you have our fervent prayers for comfort. Mabel Lee Johnson's life is a celebration! What a legacy!

Andrew & Lisa Hurst

February 1st, 2019 at 12:00am

Mrs, Johnson it was an honor and pleasure to work with you as a para- professional during our time together working for the Gary School system. I will always remember you because we became very good friends. You had such a spiritual sweet spirit plus godly wisdom that you shared with me and I will always be blessed by that. I will always remember that about you. We all know you are in a better place worshipping at the feet of Jesus. God bless, Mrs. Helen M. Claypool

Helen M. Claypool

February 1st, 2019 at 12:00am

God rest your sweet soul Mrs. Mabel Johnson. You were my Carver Elementary teacher and the First Lady of First Baptist Church-Cordell in El Dorado, Arkansas! I was baptized at 9 years of age under Rev. T.P. Johnson. I had the blessed opportunity to see you during a Washington High School Class graduation reunion and you were the same sweet and loving lady I have known since I was six years of age. Rest in Jesus's arms.

Diane Robinson Newton

January 31st, 2019 at 12:00am

Sister Mayfield & Family I’m continuing to pray for you all. Sister Mayfield you truly are an amazing daughter and always lovingly cared for Mother Johnson. I admired how you kept Mother Johnson active and traveling to many places. She was always dressed sharped and radiant. Your relationship with each other was so precious. You two exemplified what a loving, devoted mother - daughter relationship should be. I was highly inspired by you two. Thank you so much for sharing your mother with me for so many years and allowing her to shared with others. The imprint she pressed on my heart will be cherished. Love you guys!

Kenya Perkins

January 28th, 2019 at 12:00am

I am going to miss the unique, precious gem Mother Johnson! I shared such a special relationship with her for over 17yrs. She was truly a sweet godly mentor mother, friend, confidant and prayer warrior. I would call her and we would share stories and talk about irreplaceable memories she experienced. When I asked her how she was doing she would reply, “oh, I’m hipping and hopping and I ain’t gonna stopping!” I would get so tickled. Before we would end our conversation she would always say “You pray for me and I’ll be praying for you!” In July 2015, I was truly blessed to have Mother Johnson come visit & stay in my home in Greensboro, NC . Not an evening went by where I wouldn’t find the then 95 yr old knelt down on her knees praying fervently before bed. She modeled such a loving relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ. This spoke volumes to me and made a tremendous impact. While she was visiting us in Greensboro we were able to visit parts of the city’s history that she actually lived through. We took her to the Civil Rights Museum where the actual place of the Lunch Counter SIT-INS took place in 1960. We also, drove down to South Carolina then back north to Charlotte, NC for her to visit The Billy Graham’s Library. She always wanted to visit the Carolinas and I was blessed to be apart of these experiences. I especially enjoyed and was highly encouraged when she started quoting one of her many favorite poems called “Don’t Quit”. A few weeks ago, I am so thankful that my family of 7 and I got the opportunity to drive up from North Carolina to go see Mother Johnson. She and I spent hours holding hands, taking pictures and sharing memories. It was such a sweet enduring moment that I would cherish forever. Only the Lord knew that would be the last time I would hear her recite part of the poem “Don’t Quit“: “When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.” Mother Johnson was such an amazing example of living a full life devoted to God and she exemplified a loving sweet character to all she encountered. She was a mother to all! Without a doubt I knew she loved me and my family especially the Z Kiddies. We all will miss her dearly! Comforting to know that I will see her again in heaven and she is finally in her Savior’s arms whom she longed to be with.

Kenya Perkins

January 27th, 2019 at 12:00am

Mabel and John, What an amazing life Mabel Lee lived and what a wonderful obituary you wrote. It really was a testament to how hard work and grit can change a person's life. It was so ironic that I saw you and your mom at the eye doctor just a week ago. I thought to myself how great that Mabel was able to care for her mom as busy as she was--a wonderful daughter. I know it is quite a loss. Lucy and my thoughts and prayers will be with you. We feel honored to have talked to your mom on those times our paths crossed at Purdue meetings.

Ed & Lucy Eisele

January 27th, 2019 at 12:00am

Judge Mayfield and family, Pat and I are thinking of you and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Upon reading your mother's obituary, it is easy to see what a great person and mother she was. It will be your faith in God, family and friends that will comfort you in the days, weeks and months ahead. God blessed your mom when she came into this world and again when she left it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will place your family's name in our book of intentions at church.

John and Pat Behnke

January 27th, 2019 at 12:00am

Kenya Perkins & Family

January 26th, 2019 at 12:00am

To the family of Mrs. Mabel Johnson, I knew Mabel briefly but I must tell you I was so impressed with her and am so sorry to read of her passing. I used to live in Coloma, MI. but am in Custer, SD now and just read her obituary. What an extraordinary lady she was and anyone that knew her knew they were in the hands of a saint! I know she is in good hands now and loving her place in Heaven. My condolences to the family and please remember all the wonderful memories you have with her. May God bless you all!

Mitzi Moore

January 26th, 2019 at 12:00am

Thanks Cousin Mabel for writing such a moving and profound obituary of a life so rich and full of yours and ours, beloved Mother Mabel Johnson. I have so many fond memories of my encounters with her, most of which I saved in my recordings of her famous poems that she recited to me in those phone calls that lasted anywhere from 30 - to 60 minutes plus. I always hung the phone knowing that it was she who did most, if not all of the encouraging throughout the entire phone call. I just listened once again to several of those poems I recorded such as "Don't Quit!, "Great Wide Wonderful World," and "I'm Glad To Meet a Person...", just to name a few. She will be so missed by all of who loved and cherished her! Let's rest assured Mabel/John, Austyn/Flavian that she is safe and sound in the bosom of God, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let all of her life's precious memories sustain you always and the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep you! Love, Cousin Elaine and Carl Glenn