Sister Mary Jo Johnson was born in Camden, Arkansas to her loving parents, Ruthie Mae and Charlie Johnson who preceded her in death.

Mary Jo was no stranger to the church and the word growing up.  She received Christ at an early age in Arkansas.  After moving to California, she renewed her faith under the leader of Pastor Milton Starks, New Hope Church of God in Christ and here she served faithfully until her health began to fail.  She found refuge in the word through her devotion, virtual church services.

She graduated from Camden High School, Class of 1972.  She graduated college from Grambling State University in 1975.  She continued her education throughout her years and had multiple doctorates – Theology, Education Leadership, Organizational Leadership.  While in college she pledge Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. Beta Sigma Chapter.  Her favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys, and her favorite basketball team was the Golden State Warriors.

She worked at Spanos Przetak APLC as a Paralegal Secretary for over thirty years until she retired on November 11, 2022.  She loved her work family, and they loved her. She was the founder of Dayspring Communication and was the Co-Author of two books- Broken Pieces to Master Pieces and Living God's Best Life. There will be a library named after her in Memphis, Tennessee in celebration of her loyal legacy.  God calls us from labor to rest in due season.

Her sisters, Mable Alford of Oakland, California and Hattie Marie Gill of Rancho Cucamonga, California who both preceded her in death.

Sister Mary Jo Johnson leaves to cherish her sister, Ruth Johnson (Edward) of Camden, Arkansas, two brothers: Charlie Johnson (Shirley) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Fredrick Johnson (Lois) of Camden, Arkansas.   A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, her church family as well as the Dayspring and Excellence family.