Mary Alice Johnson

Mert’s Story

January 19, 1949 – March 1, 2025

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.2 Timothy 4:7

With heavy hearts but unwavering faith, we announce that Mary A. Johnson, also known

as  Mert to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on the 1st of March 2025, in

Cleveland, OH, at the age of 76 surrounded by her husband and three of her children.

Born on January 19, 1949, in Winder, Georgia.  Mert was a vibrant soul who brought joy

and laughter to all who knew her along with that fiery feistiness. A devoted wife and mother,

She was known for her humbleness, kindness, and generosity.

Mert grew up in the small southern city of Winder, Georgia, where she attended

Glenwood High School. Her early years were marked by a strong work ethic and a joyful spirit,

which were evident even as she worked at a local clothing factory as a teen. Her dedication and

hard work were constants throughout her life, traits that she carried with her when she moved to

Cleveland, OH in 1972. There, she joined Aramark, where she made many lasting friendships

and left a lasting impression with her infectious smile and can-do attitude.

Later, Mert found her professional home at G&S Metal, where she became a well-

respected and much-loved member of the team. Upon her retirement, she left behind a legacy of

professionalism, kindness, and a strong sense of community among her colleagues.

She shared a special love story with her husband, Charles, who stood by her side

through all the seasons of life. Together, they built a family, and a home filled with laughter,

love, and the best of memories.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John Wesley and Mattie Sue Pope, as

well as her siblings: Uranus Pope, Susie Pope, Clinton Pope, Brenda Pope, Sara Harris, and

Annie Ruth Pope.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her devoted husband,

Charles Johnson, and her children: Dorothy “Denise” Burgess, Daphine Evens (Bennie), Charles

“Andre” Pope (Andrea), Corey Pope, daughter/niece Stephanie “Shell” Pope, and son/nephew

Germayne “Mark” Guin of Detroit, Michigan, Charlinda Johnson of Clayton, Georgia, Eric

Chandler of Jefferson, Georgia, Joyce Brown of Boston, Massachusetts, Stephanie Jackson

(Alex) of Winder, Georgia, Tammie Gordon (Anthony) of Monroe, Georgia, and Curtis Finch.

Mert’s love extended to her grandchildren: Damien Burgess, Ernest “Rayshawn”

Thornton, Corey Johnson, Devrin Watson-Davis, Corssica Davis, Chiandre Pope, Chi’yanné

Pope, Corey “Landon” Pope, Dy’lan Burgess, Dre’yoná Pope, and Jaéda Pope. She was also

blessed with great-grandchildren: Ashley Burgess, Devin Davis, DaKota Davis, and Lylah

Burgess. Her love and guidance reached even further to her great and great-great nieces and

nephews/grandchildren: Stephone Pope (Damarion and London) and Jasmine Pope (Jordynn and

Jayia).

Mert is survived by her siblings: Uranus Pope, Johnny Pope (Judy) of Winder,

Georgia; Roy Pope (Nita) of Athens, Georgia; and her sister and best friend, Grace Coleman of

West Virginia.

She will be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Mert’s

kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mert’s interests and hobbies reflected her enthusiasm for life and deep appreciation for

her time shared with her family and friends. She was a great card player; with her favorite card

game being tonk in which she could play all night. Dancing was another of her passions; she

could often be found twirling and stepping to the music with the same enthusiasm she

approached every aspect of her life. Her love for bingo and her trips to the casino were more

than just pastimes—they were opportunities for laughter, socializing, and creating cherished

memories.

Family gatherings at her house were the highlight of her life. Whether it was a holiday

gathering or just friends and family stopping by to laugh outside on the front porch or in the

backyard, she was at the heart of every event, ensuring every moment was filled with happiness

and laughter. Her presence sitting in the swing on the front porch was a comforting sight; there,

she would sit, and share laughs and of course the latest gossip and tea.

Mert’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the importance of cherishing each moment.

She was a shining light in the lives of those that knew her, and her memory will continue to

uplift and warm the hearts of her friends and family. Her laughter, her dance moves, her stories,

and her fiery spirit will be truly missed but always remembered.

As we say goodbye to Mary A. Johnson, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life full of joy,

companionship, and an unbreakable spirit. Her journey on this earth may have ended, but her

story will be told for generations to come, a testament to a life rich in experiences and abundant

in love.

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