Mary Helen Wagnon Johnson passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024. She was born in Gadsden, AL, on December 12, 1938, to Argus (Pete) Wagnon and Mary McDaniel Wagnon.

Mary Helen was predeceased by her parents, sister, Peggy Wagnon Strickland and sister-in-law, Bobbie Wagnon. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Ed Johnson, children, Ed Johnson, Jr. (Joy), Jeannie Cosby (Alan), grandchildren, Jessica Kopp (Jesse),Diana Huggins (Ryan), Thomas Johnson, Johnson Cosby, and Hayes Cosby; brothers Warren Wagnon, Troy Wagnon (Lynn) and many great-grandchildren. Also living to cherish her memory are her many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary Helen's true passion was ministering to children and young working families. She taught and was assistant director at the Preschool at 12th Street Baptist Church for many years. Later she was the preschool and kindergarten director at Meadowbrook Church. Upon retirement, she continued to advise and consult with many preschool and kindergarten programs including Kids Kingdom in Hokes Bluff.

She was a longtime member of 12th Street Baptist Church and attended Hokes Bluff Methodist in her latter years when she was able.

We will always know how blessed we have been to have had her godly influence. She lavished so much love, care, and wisdom on us that our hearts will overflow for the rest of our lives. We will remember her voice encouraging us and will continue to be inspired by her words and godly example. Likewise, Mom's grandchildren and great-grandchildren will benefit from their time with her as she's shown them the same godly wisdom, unconditional love, and acceptance she's always shown her loved ones.

We invite you to join us in honoring our mom's memory by embodying some of her characteristics, which she modeled after Jesus — her love for God and others, her welcoming smile, and her steadfast faith. May we grieve her passing well, not as those without hope, but as those who have an unwavering assurance in Jesus's promise to return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We look forward to the fulfillment of John's prophecy, recorded in Revelation:

The family will receive friends at Crestwood Funeral Home on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A celebration of life service to follow at 1 p.m. Officiated by Rev. Ricky Smith and Rev. Brian Hibbs.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org.