Mary Alice Johnson lived her life with an open heart and a deep belief that what mattered most was not what you possessed, but what you were willing to give.

Mary Alice was born on August 28, 1945, in Lexington, North Carolina, to James and Julia Callahan. She was raised and educated in Johnston, South Carolina. Following high school, she moved to New York and later married Willie Johnson in 1968. Their children, Sean and Hope, were the loves of her life, and she devoted herself to the family they built together. Alice spent much of her career as an administrative supervisor at Dun & Bradstreet in Manhattan. In 1995, she relocated to North Carolina, where she centered her life on service to others.

Service was the essence of Alice's character. She often said that even when she lacked financial resources to give, she could always provide love through a listening ear, a helping hand, or a place of refuge.

Alice had a profound affection for children. She channeled her passion for caring for others into her work as a nurse's aide, providing around-the-clock care for premature babies. Most of all, she shared a deep and enduring bond with her grandson, Erik, whom she helped raise from childhood into adulthood. She cherished every stage of his life and experienced tremendous joy in watching him grow.

Faith in God guided Alice's life. As a member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, she lived by the conviction that God would never give her more than she could bear. That faith was tested when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2006, yet she faced the illness with courage and became an advocate within her family, encouraging regular screenings. She later became an active member of her local breast cancer survivors' group, offering support and encouragement to others.

To know Alice was to know her radiant smile, twinkling eyes, and deep dimples that framed her exuberant laugh. She was warm, witty, caring, and wonderfully direct. She had a unique ability to speak her mind while simultaneously wrapping you in a hug or offering a meal that made you feel deeply loved. Over the years, Alice's house became a place of refuge for loved ones who needed a place to call home. There was room, food, safety, and love in abundance.

Alice was a woman of style, a true fashionista who loved her hats, the colors red, white, and pink, and finding the perfect bargain. She also found joy in dancing and decorating for the holidays.

Throughout her life, Alice could be the caretaker, the family historian, the source of laughter, or the person who helped bring everyone together. What remained constant was her willingness to give of herself. She made sure the people around her knew they were loved, not only through her words, but through her presence, generosity, and good deeds.

On August 18, 2026, at the age of eighty, Alice entered into eternal rest.

Alice is now reunited with those who preceded her in death: her parents, James and Julia Callahan; her husband, Willie Johnson; her son, Sean Johnson; her grandson, Erik Hunter; her infant granddaughter, Madison Bates; and her sisters, Fannie (Edward) Harvey and Lois (Eric) Morris.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Hope Johnson of Brandywine, Maryland; her brother, James Callahan Jr. (Daisy) of the Bronx, New York; her sister, Bettye Dean of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends whose lives were made richer because Alice loved them.

Public viewing will be from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 12:00 PM, Friday, August 28, 2026 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 450 Metropolitan Drive, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101. The family will greet friends one-hour prior to service.