Celebrating the life of
Mary Alsten Newsome Johnson
April 11, 1921 - January 01, 2017
Mary Alsten Johnson, 95, died under the gentle, loving care of Hospice Savannah, Sunday January 1, 2017.
Mary was born in Savannah, Georgia, April 11, 1921, the oldest of seven children of the late Rufus F. Newsome, Sr. and Mae Cabaniss Newsome. She was a 1939 graduate of Commercial High School and later attended Armstrong State University. She was married to the love of her life, Jesse L. Johnson, for forty years until his death in 1981. Two sisters, Elaine N. Fasick and Jeanne Charmell N. Garrett preceded her in death.
Mary began her love for and long career in photography at Rich’s Studio shortly after graduating from high school. She eventually became owner of Tooley-Myron Studio and Oglethorpe Portrait Studio for over sixty years until her retirement at age 82. She continued her love for art and photography as an active member of the Art Guild and other organizations. Mary was also a past president of the Soroptomist Club, a member of the Happy Geechees and the Cobra Club.
Mary’s love for her Lord and joy in serving Him permeated her life. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Temple where she served as a Sunday School teacher for 72 years, retiring at age 92. She was also an active participant throughout her lifetime in WMU Choir, OUTREACH and other areas of service. Her love for her church families at Calvary Baptist and Antioch Baptist was abundant.
Mary loved her family unconditionally and her greatest joy was spending time with them. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Betty J. Markiton (John) and Judith J. Boaen (Julian); three grandchildren, Julian (Jay) Boaen, Jr. (Tina), Jennifer B. Cone (Doug) and Gregory J. Markiton (Lori); eight great-grandchildren, Katie and Samantha Boaen; Hunter, Tanner and Jessica Cone and Jacob, Trent and Laney Markiton. Also surviving are brothers Rufus F. Newsome and Thomas E. Newsome and sisters Betty N. Orvin and Marese N. Giles as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Her legacy of faith and love for her family will remain in our hearts forever. Our “CeCe” will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
The family wishes to express our gratitude for the excellent care given to our loved one by the staff of Hospice Savannah.
The family will receive friends at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2017.
The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 5, 2017 in the Wilder Chapel at Calvary Baptist Temple with the Reverends Doug Cone and Derward Poole officiating. Pall bearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons. Honorary Pall bearers will be her nephews.
Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Remembrances can be made to Calvary Baptist Temple, 4625 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404; Antioch Baptist Church, 8102 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404; Hospice Savannah, P. O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Mary was a founding member of the Savannah Artists Guild and served as our President at least three times over the years. She was a great lady.
- Joyce Weinzettel, Savannah, GA
The members of the Lady Cobra Club offer their condolences to Alsten's family. She was such a precious soul and an inspiration to our club. We loved to hear her lecture about Commercial High and the pride we all have about our alma mater. We are thankful for her life on this earth and the privilege of knowing her.
- Coleen Biezenbos, Savannah, GA
Mary was such a wonderful participant in the Savannah Artist Guild. I especially remember her sharing pictures that she had "painted", her portraits and her enthusiasm. God rest her sole
- Eugenie Ogden, Savannah, GA
Revelation 21:3,4
- Jehovah's Witnesses, Pooler, GA
Dear Betty and Judy and family, May the love and memories you cherish in your hearts, always sustain you and may God keep you close at this difficult time. Love always, Sandra Orvin Sikes and Betty Newsome Orvin
- Orvin, Savannah , GA
Mary was a founding member of the Savannah Artists Guild and served as our President at least three times over the years. She was a great lady.
- Joyce Weinzettel, Savannah, GA
The members of the Lady Cobra Club offer their condolences to Alsten's family. She was such a precious soul and an inspiration to our club. We loved to hear her lecture about Commercial High and the pride we all have about our alma mater. We are thankful for her life on this earth and the privilege of knowing her.
- Coleen Biezenbos, Savannah, GA
Mary was such a wonderful participant in the Savannah Artist Guild. I especially remember her sharing pictures that she had "painted", her portraits and her enthusiasm. God rest her sole
- Eugenie Ogden, Savannah, GA
Revelation 21:3,4
- Jehovah's Witnesses, Pooler, GA
Dear Betty and Judy and family, May the love and memories you cherish in your hearts, always sustain you and may God keep you close at this difficult time. Love always, Sandra Orvin Sikes and Betty Newsome Orvin
- Orvin, Savannah , GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
