Mary Lou Johnson

Mary Lou Johnson, lifelong resident of Swartz Creek and Flint, passed away on June 18, 2025 in White Lake. She was 89 years old.

Born January 9, 1936, in Flint, she was the daughter of Herman and Clara (Spillane) Barnett. Mary Lou received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan -Flint and worked for 25 years teaching the 1st grade in Carman -Ainsworth Schools until her retirement in 1996. On August 3, 1957 she married the love of her life Dennis Johnson in Flint and to this Union they were blessed with four children; David, Dana, Drew and Deane. Mary Lou was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Flint and Resurrection Reformed Church in Flint. 

Mary Lou is survived by four children; David Johnson and wife Shelley of Clarkston, MI, Dana Gray and husband Bill of Orchard Lake, MI, Drew Johnson and wife Heather of Waterford, MI, Deane Johnson and wife Beth of Evanston, IL; 8 grandchildren Samantha, Olivia, Brad, Shelby, Rachel, Cooper, Betsy, Kate; and four great grandchildren Emersyn, Mabel, Bennett and Stetson.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Louise Szpara and husband Walter of Lansing, MI, as well as her husband Dennis Johnson on April 29, 2016.

Mary Lou was the most selfless and loving woman and her family’s matriarch. She was a lifelong learner and educator and literally was passionate for people. Mary Lou always put family first in every situation and was kind and caring to every soul on this earth. She always lead with an open heart and loved without judgement. Mary Lou pursued a relationship with Jesus and followed his guidance through everything. She was an example of how to lean on our faith and how to worship through song and fellowship. Mary Lou taught her family to enjoy the little things, be present, and not to sweat the small stuff. She was a true communicator, listener, and loved telling stories. Mary Lou was the glue of her family and had the most magnetic yet modest presence in a room. Her love emanated off of her and she left a lasting mark on every person she ever met. She will always be a treasured member of her family. Mary Lou is finally resting in peace.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 23, 2025, 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6073 Fenton Rd., Grand Blanc, MI 48507 and on Tuesday from 10:00am - 11:00am at 1st Presbyterian Church of Flint 846 Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48502

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 11:00am at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Flint, 746 Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48402 with Pastor Joseph Novak officiating with a luncheon immediately following the service.

Private interment will take place in the Sunset Hills Cemetery.

In honor of Mary Lou memorial contributions may be made to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Flint, for their Music and Fine Arts Program, 746 Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502. Please visit Mary Lou’s personal web page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com to sign the guestbook and leave a memory.