Mary Marie White Johnson

Born in Maysville, Okla., Oct. 9, 1922, to Oscar D. and Dorathy M. (Hollaway) White, Mary Marie White Johnson was the second of three daughters and fifth of seven siblings. Passing away on Nov. 28, 2016, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family. The family is of Chickasaw descent, and Mary was proud of her Chickasaw heritage. She was a great granddaughter of Cyrus Harris, the first elected governor of the Chickasaw Tribe. She was the daughter and niece of two of the last Chickasaw legislators before Oklahoma became a state. After graduating from Maysville High School, Mary earned a baccalaureate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences in Chickasha, OK. While in Chickasha, she was introduced to nursing by her older sister, Margie. Mary decided to enter the nursing field and went on to complete the R.N. program in 1949 at Wesley Hospital School of Nursing in Okla. City. After graduating, she was hired to be a supervisor on the maternity unit at Wesley Hospital. Becoming interested in teaching nursing students, Mary was told that she would need a Master's Degree in Nursing. In 1952 she set out to earn a master's degree by going to Columbia University, New York City. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing in 1953 which would enable her to teach in the baccalaureate nursing program for Oklahoma Baptist University. At OBU, Mary went on to become an Associate Professor of Nursing and taught in this position for 20 years before retiring and becoming an adjunct professor there. She loved her job at OBU and the students she taught. Many of her classes were outside the classroom in clinics where her students learned how to care for and deal with actual patients. Many hours at home were spent reading students' papers and preparing for classes. Mary had a deep and lasting interest in the education of young people. Along with her formal education and work responsibilities, Mary completed many short courses, workshops and seminars related to health and nursing, as well as many studies and courses in the liberal arts. For many years, she was always enrolled in some type of class. Learning, both formal and otherwise, was regarded as a life long goal. While in New York City, she not only studied for a Master's Degree, but also "drank in" an education in classical music ( symphonic and operatic ), theater and museum art which was an enjoyment all of her life and which she shared especially with her nieces. Another area of interest which she referred to as a spiritual mission was the providing of health services to mothers, children and senior adults. These services were provided through taking her students and working - many times volunteering - at Variety Health Center of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Salvation Army Senior Centers. She continued to work at a Salvation Army Senior Center until just a few years ago. Her care of senior adults was modeled after the care and love that she gave her "Mom" and "Dad" during their lives of health and during each's times of sickness and death - being there for each. Mary was an example to her family of following Exodus 20:12 to honor one's father and mother. Entering military service in 1957 as the first female in the (USAF) Oklahoma Air National Guard, Mary became the chief flight nurse for the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. When the squadron was deactivated 20 years later in 1977, Mary ended her tour of duty retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. After all her commitments and along with her additional classes, Mary learned to play the piano and the flute which she enjoyed but had a difficult time finding the days long enough to practice. She enjoyed sewing and made many of her clothes as a young adult. Tennis, golf and gardening were outdoor activities which she thoroughly enjoyed. She loved to read and this was when she sat down and had time to herself. Also a loyal Sooner fan, she attended many football games throughout the years and had season tickets for many of those years. Mary was a strong advocate for the preservation of our environment, that human beings have an obligation to keep what the Creator provided for us. She had a commitment for caring for those who could not speak for themselves - children, older adults and animals. The Lord Jesus Christ was number One in her life and she began her day with the scripture from Mark 12: 30, 31 "To love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself." Later on she ended any written correspondences with Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." KJV Mary was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City for many years where she served her Lord by serving on many committees and as a deacon for a number of years. Mary is survived by one sister-in-law, one brother-law, nieces, nephews, many friends, former students and her special friend, her dog Hans. A memorial service for Mary will be held in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City on Jan.5, 2017 at 10:00 with Dr. Matt Meinke officiating. Scripture and music is in keeping with her wishes. Military honors will be presented. A graveside committal will follow at 1:30 at the Maysville Cemetery with The Reverend Danny Gamble officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions for Mary's memory may be made for a Nursing Scholarship in her name: Mary White Johnson, Nursing Scholarship Fund OBU School of Nursing 500 W University St. Shawnee, OK 74804