Mary Abbott Johnson

Mary Abbott Johnson came into this life on March 17, 1926 to little fanfare. She slipped away in the same manner on January 14, 2021. The lack of fanfare belies the joy-filled life she lived.  She was born in Mesquite, Nevada, one of 11 children of George Nathan and Rose Leonora Gardner Abbott, on her father’s 32nd birthday.  She outlived all but two of her siblings.
Her first 16 years were in the dusty town of Bunkerville, NV just southwest of Mesquite, at a time when most of the town was one generation removed from Utah pioneers. It was there, as a young girl she almost succumbed to osteomyelitis and surgery to open her leg, scraping infection from the bones. After spending years on crutches only a scar on her leg was left to tell the story.
Her family moved to Kuna, Idaho when she was 17 years old. There she met and married E True Johnson, a soldier home from WWII, on December 20, 1945. They were sealed in the St. George, Utah temple on December 22, 1956. From this happy marriage of 70 years came seven children. Added later were six in-laws, 38 grandchildren, 121 great grandchildren and 9 great great-grandchildren.
Mary considered family her crowning glory and loved every stage as her family grew and expanded. She was a master of all the domestic arts and loved to plan and cater major family gatherings. She was a licensed beautician and many were the times when the smell of bread baking in the oven was overpowered by the smell of someone getting a permanent.
Mary loved music and performed innumerable times from childhood as a star in her high school musical to solos in community oratorios, church meetings and funerals. She taught countless students in the art of playing the piano. With a close friend, Alberta O’Brien, she founded the first musical preschool in Roswell, New Mexico.
Mary cherished her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served wherever military life took her family enriching the lives of those she served in her church and community as she accepted the many assignments she was given to teach, lead, comfort and organize.
Later in life, Mary attended Weber State College and received her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature followed by post graduate studies at the University of Utah.
Mary took great pride in her rich pioneer heritage. She was an active member of the International Society of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for many years, ultimately serving ten years as the International President, traveling throughout the world as its ambassador and leader.
Mary spent her entire life in the service of others.  Even in her last weeks while living at Fairfield Assisted Living facility, she could be found attempting to help the staff by setting tables at mealtime.
Mary is survived by her children: Trudy Bradford (Henry), Teresa Draper (Duane), James (Susan), Janice, Robert (Etsuko), Stephen (Bonnie) and David (Stephanie) and myriad grands, greats and great-greats. She is also survived by two brothers, Richard Abbott and Myron Abbott.  Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, True Johnson; a son-in-law, Duane Draper; and a great-granddaughter, Anna Nelson.
We express our gratitude to the dedicated and kind caregivers at Fairfield Village of Layton, Parkview Memory Care and Encompass Hospice Care.
Service Information
Viewing January 18, 2021 at 6:00-8:00 PM
1035 South Angel Street, Kaysville, UT 84037





Graveside Service
January 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM
1777 South Dixie Street, St. George, Utah 84770