Mary Johnson
Mary Elizabeth Johnson of Campbellsville, Ky, passed away Monday, Feb 9, 2026, at Green River Trails Nursing Home in Greensburg, Ky. Mary was born in Boyle County, Ky October 21, 1939, to the late Frank Higgins and late Lorine Stokes Penman. Mary worked in the Campbellsville Independent School District as a cafeteria cook for 30-plus years before retiring.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Everyone called her “Mama Lizabeth”; she claimed everyone as her sons and daughters. Mary professed holiness as a child of God, Sunday, May 1966, in Danville, Ky at Church of God of America, Inc. She was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost the same day. She joined the Danville church and was a faithful member under the leadership of late Bishop A.R. Smith for several years before marrying her late husband, Elder George Johnson in 1971, and moved to Campbellsville, Ky, where she and her children joined the Johnson family. For several years, Mary followed her husband faithfully and supported him while attending the sister church of Church of God of America in Knifley, Ky. She later joined the Campbellsville Church of God under the leadership of the late Bishop George Alexander. After the death of Bishop Alexander, Mary followed under the leadership of Bishop William Paul Hardin from 2006 until her passing.
She was an active member at the Church of God of America, both in Danville and Campbellsville, Ky. Sis Mary Johnson didn’t mind working in the church. During her membership at Danville’s church, she served as the secretary for HYPU.
After joining Campbellsville Church of God, she wore many hats. She served on the board of trustees and was the head Sunday school teacher for many years. Sis Mary humbly carried the title of a deaconess and was later appointed president of “Women of Prayer” until her passing.
Her favorite songs: “Prayer Brought Me Here” and “May the Works I’ve Done Speak for Me.”
Surviving are 5 children and 4 stepchildren; Jerry Coulter (wife Roslyn) of Louisville, Ky; Gary Wayne Coulter of Greensburg, Ky; Sandy Atkinson of Campbellsville, Ky; Mary Clayton of Greensburg, Ky; and James Clayton (wife Angela) of Campbellsville, Ky; Bobby Johnson (wife Fannie), Marshall Johnson, Beatrice Johnson, and Lonnie Johnson all of Campbellsville, Ky. Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, along with a host of family and friends. Sis Mary also has a host of adopted daughters and sons whom she claims as her own.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Lorine Stokes, father Frank Higgins, husband Elder George Johnson, 3 daughters Joyce Velinda Barnett, Deborah Jean Barnett, and Teresa Ann Mitchell; 7 stepchildren, along with 3 grandchildren; 4 sisters and 1 brother.
Funeral Service: 1 PM Saturday, February 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 704 E Broadway St. Campbellsville, KY, with burial to follow in the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Officiating: Bishop Wm Paul Hardin
Visitation: 11 AM – 1 PM at the church.
Pallbearers
*Chris Belviy *Nathan Chaney *Christopher Richardson *
*Jeriveno Coulter *Michael Coulter *Antwan Coulter*
