Suffolk – Mary Virginia March Johnson, 81, died at home on August 19, 2011. She was born to the late Dempsey Harvey and Nola Lawrence March, Jan. 19, 1930 in then Nansemond County, Va. Mary Va. graduated from Holland High School in 1947. She married the late Elliott Lee Johnson in 1953 and they lived together and raised their sons on the family farm in present day Suffolk. Mary Va. worked as the cafeteria manager at Holland School and then Southwestern School until she retired in 1992. She was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church.

Mary Va. is survived by her sons, Rev. Warren Johnson and his wife, Beth of Fork Union, Va.; and James Johnson and his wife, Glenda of Suffolk, Va. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Angie O’Neal and her husband, Jason of Chesapeake, Va.; Christopher Johnson, of Central, SC; Matthew Johnson and his wife, Kristy of Franklin, Va.; and Mary Beth Miller and her husband, Alan of Orange, Va. Upon her death, Mary Va. had six great-grandchildren, Zachariah Johnson, Brennan O’Neal, Abby O’Neal, Hannah Johnson, Sarah Embry Miller, and Holton Miller; and numerous extended family members. She was predeceased by her eight brothers and two sisters. The family is very grateful to her faithful and loving caregivers. The funeral will be held on Sunday, August 21 at 3:30 PM at Beaver Dam Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Richard Peerey, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation with the family will be in the church fellowship hall from 2-3:00 PM prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beaver Dam Baptist Church, 3593 Carrsville Hwy., Franklin, Va. 23851. Wright Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. www.wrightfuneralhome.org