Rev. Dr. Mary Ann Butler Johnson

In Loving Memory of Reverend Dr. Mary Ann Butler Johnson

June 18, 1943 – May 14, 2025

Mary Ann Marcus was born on June 18, 1943, in Ironton, Ohio, to Samuel Marcus and Oba Lee Gardner. She was lovingly raised by Chief Warrant Officer Samuel and Beulah Marcus, growing up in a nurturing and faithful household.

As the proud daughter of a military family, Mary was an “army brat” who received her early ducation across Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. After graduating from high school in Virginia, she joined her family in Bamberg, Germany, where she met and married PFC Troy Butler in 1963.

Mary and Troy later settled in Arkansas, Troy’s home state, where they raised three children: Troy Jr., Jacquelyn, and Rhonda, later welcoming Christopher ("Papa") into the family. Mary was baptized in Addyston, Ohio, beginning a lifelong walk with Christ that never wavered.

Known far and wide as a prayer warrior, a pillar of faith, and a true woman of God, Mary’s prayers were said to touch the very hem of Jesus’ garment. To be prayed for by Mary was to feel heaven draw near.

As a devoted member of Faith Temple Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, Mary served faithfully in the Singles Ministry, Care Ministry (Missionary Outreach), Prayer Ministry, and Prison Ministry, and was a cherished Sunday School teacher. On January 1, 2023, she joyfully joined St. Peter’s Rock Baptist Church, where she immediately became active in the Missionary Ministry and continued her passion for teaching Sunday School.

Mary’s ministry extended beyond the church walls. She founded Vessels of Faith, a ministry created to support and uplift women emerging from abusive relationships—women who knew the Lord but often lacked the guidance they needed to heal and move forward. Through this sacred work, Mary provided a safe haven and a spiritual compass, mentoring countless women with compassion, wisdom, and grace.

Mary’s pursuit of spiritual knowledge and growth was unending. She earned a Doctorate of Theology in Religious Education from the Theological Institute in Houston, Texas, and studied with the Bible Study Fellowship International Women’s Class for more than 12 years.

Above all, Mary treasured her family. She loved visiting her parents in Ohio, her brother Dwight in Louisville, KY, her sister Sharon in Union, NJ, and her daughter Jacquelyn and grandchildren in Myrtle Beach, SC. She delighted in sharing meals and moments with her daughter Rhonda and doted on her grandchildren during summer visits, often taking them to Vacation Bible School. Her loving companion, her beagle mix named Reverend (Rev), brought her peace and joy, as did reading and writing in her quiet moments.

On May 14, 2025, Reverend Dr. Mary Ann Butler Johnson peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, service, and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Beulah Marcus, her brothers Dean and Dwight Marcus, her husband Troy Sr., her son Troy Jr., and her beloved niece Shannon Shahalaie.

She is survived by her loyal pet Reverend (Rev) Marcus; her sister Sharon Marcus of Union, New Jersey; daughters Jacquelyn Box (and family) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Rhonda Butler (and family) of Little Rock, Arkansas; son Christopher Johnson (Juliana) of Fort Sil, Oklahoma; and nieces Tamela Marcus and Maia Grevious (and families) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Shayna Marcus (and family) of Miami, Florida. Sister-in-law Earlene Gantt-Marcus and Granny-Sister Etta Faye Carter.

Mary's legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren: Christiane Janaye`, Brandon Troy (Rikita), David IV(Darla), Brianna Janelle, Kaylee Corrinne, Amani Ramik, Troy III, Diavanni Henrique, London Amil, Paris Iyana Star, Tylan Rae-Kwon Amon, Jordyn Taylor, and Julian Christopher, along with her nine cherished great-grandchildren. And a host of loving and faithful relatives and friends.

Reverend. Dr. Mary Ann Butler Johnson will be remembered for her unwavering faith, unyielding love, and unmatched devotion to God and family.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23