On Sunday, November 10, 2019, at 7:24 am, Mary peacefully passed away at the age of 70. She was preceded in death by her daughter, "Baby Nandi" Thigpen, her father, Tom Allen Johnson, her older brother, Fred Collins, her younger brother, Patrick Johnson, her older sister “Baby Elizabeth” Johnson and her younger sister, Jane Marietta Johnson. 

She is survived by her husband, Willie Thigpen, her daughters, Sonna Ruff and Monifa Giamanco, her grandchildren, Josef Giamanco, Noah Giamanco and Julianna Giamanco, her mother, Inell Johnson, her sister, Ella Johnson, her brothers, Paul Johnson, Bobby Johnson, Michael Johnson, James Johnson and Aaron Johnson plus a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary was born in Los Angeles, California to Tom Allen and Inell Johnson on January 27, 1949. She had a colorful childhood and enjoyed swimming, playing basketball and theater performances.

She graduated from Catholic High in Pensacola, Florida and pursued higher education at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana and University of New Orleans. 

Bachelor's Degree: Sociology/Social Work, Xavier University

Master's Degree: Urban and Regional Planning, University of New Orleans

Mary was a seasoned professional in the field of Human Resources. Throughout her career, she held many titles. She spent her final managerial years working for the City of Chula Vista as a Senior Personnel Analyst. Mary loved working so much, but with a heavy heart, finally decided in 2007 that she should explore retirement. She wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren and put her feet up a bit.

Once retired, she had more time to travel, sleep in, go to movies, window shop and visit friends. That's when she discovered how much fun retirement really was for her! She realized that there were still other ways for her to be useful from home and began seeking out exciting volunteer opportunities. She enjoyed volunteering at her church and for various non-profits in key roles. If someone needed help, she would be first one to get in line. Mary was truly an "Energizer Bunny".   

She had many hobbies including, but not limited to: gardening, knitting, crocheting, cooking, sewing "angel pillows" and writing poetry. A loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, cousin and friend, Mary will be greatly missed but we can rejoice in knowing that she is now with the Lord -and that's exactly where she wants to be!

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