Mary Ada Ricketts Johnson, 99

BRIDGEVILLE - Mary Ada Ricketts Johnson, of Bridgeville, passed from this earth to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007, at her residence. She was 99.

"Aunt Sissy," as she was affectionate called, was born on Feb. 27, 1908, near Federalsburg, Md., to the late Robert and Carrie Ricketts.

Mrs. Johnson began her education at Bethel School in Federalsburg, which she attended for about three years before her family moved to Bridgeville. She attended Trinity School in Bridgeville until she graduated in the eighth grade.

After graduating from Trinity School, she helped her father work on the farm until her marriage to Ulysess Johnson on Nov. 18, 1933. They were together for 55 years until he passed away on Dec. 12, 1988.

Mrs. Johnson worked at H.P. Cannon factory in Bridgeville, where she held different positions and worked her way up to "supervisor." She retired from H. P. Cannon in 1977 and started doing housework for different families in the area.

Her interests and hobbies included: needlepoint, gardening, clothes, chats on the telephone and she loved to read, especially the Bible.

Mrs. Johnson has been a long-standing member of the Bridgeville Senior Center since 1978. She spent a lot of time at the Center, and enjoyed being around the attendees and staff. She said that everyone was so kind and caring.

Over the years she had not only enjoyed going to the Center but played an intricate role in the development of the Center along with the late Rev. Clavin Byrd. She had belonged to the RSVP staff for the past 25 years, and over 20 years she served as president of the Center's members. In 1995, she was honored as Cheer Volunteer of the Year.

As a young child, Mrs. Johnson's spiritual journey began at Bethel United Methodist Church in Federalsburg, Md. At Bethel, she was a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir and worked with the young adults.

Later, she became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she served on the Usher Board, sang in the choir, was president of the Women's Society, Administrative Council Secretary, Sunday school teacher, treasurer of the United Methodist Women and various other committees of the church.

At the time of her passing, she was the Mother of Trinity and of Bethel Churches.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her two brothers Percy and Malachi Ricketts; and sister Elva Ricketts Bolden.

She is survived by her nephew, Ernest Ricketts and his wife Terry of Bridgeville, who were her caregivers; nieces, Betty Wolford, of Bridgeville, and Lorraine Smith and her husband Leon, all who were caregivers. She is also survived by numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including her church family.

Friends may call Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bethel Church, Harper Road, Federalsburg, and the service will be at 11 a.m. at the church.

Interment will be in Federal Hill Cemetery, Federalsburg, Md.

Arrangements by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Greenwood.