Resident Spotlight – February 2025
Our Resident Spotlight shines on Mary A. Johnson, who just turned 97 years old. She was the fifth of seven children, born to John and Ruth Adkins who had five girls and two boys. She is the oldest of two remaining daughters while her two brothers and three sisters have moved on to a better place. John and Ruth were teachers and worked with children in Richmond and Hanover, Virginia, and Wilmington, Delaware.
Mary grew up and attended high school in Wilmington, Delaware, graduating at 16. She wasn’t allowed to attend college immediately as her older sister, Virginia, also graduated the same year. A few years later, she was able to attend West Virginia State for a brief period where she met the man who would become her husband and father of her two children, Rienzi, Jr. and Beverly.
Mary worked for many years, starting in the Richmond school system as a secretary and later becoming the first African American hired by the Delaware National Guard in Wilmington, Delaware. She worked as a secretary for the Adjutant General of the National Guard until her retirement in 1985. During her time at the National Guard, she met the Delaware Senator, Joe Biden, who became the 46th president of the United States. She is fond of saying that she shook hands with a president.
Mary worked hard and was a single parent for many years, following the end of her one and only marriage. She has three granddaughters, Dana, Racquel, and Kori; four great-granddaughters, four great-grandsons, one foster great-grandson, and one great-great-grandson with two great-great-granddaughters on the way. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many of their friends call her Granny. A name she selected as a fan of the Beverly Hillbillies TV show. Her children were blessed to have Granny as their Nanny Granny, as she spent many hours taking care of many of them, playing games, and finding ways to make them smile.
In 1995, Mary left her home in Wilmington to move to Newnan, Georgia to be with her daughter and granddaughter. She became active in the Baptist Church and Senior Center making many new friends as she maintained connections with her old friends.
Her favorite things to do included playing Scrabble, Othello, and card games such as Pinocle and of course, Bingo, as long as there are prizes to be won. Unfortunately, her eyesight has declined so she is no longer able to enjoy many of the games and puzzles she used to find enjoyable. She did enjoy playing Bingo for her birthday this year with her daughter, granddaughter, and several of her grandchildren. Mary is truly loved by many.
Here at Woodland Ridge, Ms. Mary enjoys the lunch outings, bus joyrides, music activities, bingo, and painting. Ms. Mary always has a friendly smile and kind words for everyone. We’re so glad she decided to call Woodland Ridge her home.
If you or an aging loved one is considering moving to an Assisted Living Facility for Elderly Care Services in Smyrna GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Woodland Ridge today. 770-431-7055
- Resident Spotlight – February 2025 - January 23, 2025
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT February 2025 - January 22, 2025
- Woodland Ridge’s February 2025 Event Calendars - January 21, 2025
