Mary Ellen Leopard Johnson

GRANITEVILLE, SC – Mary Ellen Johnson, 94, entered into rest on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Anchor Rehabilitation in Aiken, SC.

Born on August 24, 1930, in Edgefield, SC, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Ernest and Ruth Gibson Leopard. A longtime resident of Graniteville, she was a faithful member of St. James Lutheran Church, where her quiet strength and devotion to her faith and community were deeply felt.

Mrs. Johnson was a loving and selfless wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She worked for many years with the Graniteville Company and generously gave her time as a Pink Lady volunteer at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Renowned for her exceptional baking skills, she brought joy to countless family celebrations by lovingly crafting wedding and birthday cakes for those she held dear.

To those who knew her, she wasn’t just “Mrs. Johnson”—she was Mema. Whether related by blood or simply by love, she had a gift for making everyone feel like family. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and endless affection. Her hugs, homemade treats, and kind words were a source of comfort and joy to generations.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by the love of her life, her beloved husband of 61 years, Edward Nelson Johnson, Sr.; two sons, Edward Nelson Johnson, Jr. and Bruce Alan Johnson; her brother, Gene Leopard and her sister, Betty Leopard Taylor.

Mrs. Johnson leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her sons, Steve (Candy) Johnson of Wilmington, NC. and Eric (Trish Blush) Johnson of Aiken, SC; her brother-in-law, Dennis Taylor of Dublin, GA; twelve grandchildren: Tiffany (Robert) Coleman, Tanya (Jerry) Odom, Gabe (Sarah) Moyer, Shannon Johnson, Brie Johnson, Sherri (Kenneth) Rich, Summer (Chas) Fare, Samantha (Mike) Bridges, Brandon (Sarah) Johnson, Stephanie (Adam) Wilson, Nelson (Victoria) Johnson, and Payton Johnson; 24 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at St. James Lutheran Church in Graniteville, SC with Rev. Barry T. Antley officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 PM. Mrs. Johnson's grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers, honoring her with their love and strength.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the organizations that touched Mrs. Johnson’s heart: St. James Lutheran Church, 200 Laurel Dr., Graniteville, SC 29829; The American Cancer Society; or Hospice Care.

Arrangements are entrusted to Jackson Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory, 315 Main Street, Graniteville, SC 29829.

Mary Ellen will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering love for her family, and the sweet memories she created through her faith and her kitchen.