Mary Johnson

Mary H. Johnson, 79, of Concord, NC, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at TerraBella in Harrisburg, NC.

Mary was born February 6, 1943, in Richmond County, NC, to the late Mossie (McBride) Davis. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents John W. and Katie McBride, brother-in-law, Henry Sherrod.

Mary (known as “Puddin” by many) graduated from Mineral Springs High School in Ellerbe, NC in 1962, and soon after moved to Columbus, OH where she started her career with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Through progressive education and training she advanced her career to Postal Service Manager. In 1986, she moved to Concord NC where she soon became the first woman and the first person of color to hold the title Postmaster of Concord, NC. After retirement from USPS in 1993, she started a career in education with the Cabarrus County School System at JN Fries Middle School, retiring in 2015. Mary enjoyed gardening, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family but most of all, she absolutely loved spending time with her grandchildren, and her grandchildren adored her just as much.

Mary is survived by her son, Terry Darnell McBride of Charlotte, NC; son, Malcolm Keith (Carol) McBride of Ellerbe, NC; son, Rodney (Nia) McBride of Columbus, OH; son, John (Morgan) Johnson of Harrisburg, NC; daughter, Kimberly (Lauren) Johnson of Charlotte, NC; sister, Jacqueline Sherrod of Columbus, OH; brother, Kerry (Pam) McBride of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Lauren, Keonikia, Sofi, Skye, Kiante, Jalen, Tahdre, and Antonio; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; special niece, Renee (Alex) Shumate; and numerous other nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

A homegoing celebration is scheduled at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord where condolences may be offered, and friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Pastor Narlie J. Croutch, III will officiate as we celebrate the life of Mary H. Johnson.  The service will be webcast: https://video.ibm.com/channel/hartsell-funeral-home-concord

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247.