Mary Lou Johnson, a devoted servant and educator, passed away on December 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and community service. The daughter of the late Senator Ray Johnson and Lorraine Johnson, she was born in Woodland, California, on February 8, 1940. Her journey through life was marked by a passion for horses, education, and a deep faith in the Lord.
After moving from Arbuckle to Chico in 1943, Mary Lou attended local schools and graduated from Chico High School in 1957. She initially enrolled at Mills College but soon transferred to Chico State, where her love of horses led her to leave after her sophomore year. She worked on a ranch in Sheridan, Wyoming, where she honed her skills in cutting horses and served as district secretary for the state’s only Congressman, Willian Henry Harrison.
Returning to California in the mid-1960s, Mary Lou took a position as secretary for state Senator Fred Marler in Sacramento. She later graduated from Chico State in January 1971 with a teaching credential after attending both Fresno State and Biola University. Her journey then took her to Nebraska, where she spent a year on a ranch before returning to Chico to develop a remedial reading lab at Orland High School, teaching there from 1975 to 1981.
Mary Lou’s career path was diverse; she returned to Sacramento in 1983 to research and write speeches for officials in the Department of Health Services. Her enduring love for horses drew her back to Chico, where she became secretary, registrar, and newsletter editor for the American Association of Owners and Breeders of Peruvian Paso Horses. From 1987 to 2003, she created an advertising agency for the breed and also authored a coloring book about it.
Later in her life, Mary Lou worked for Primerica and obtained her insurance license. Despite her diverse professional experiences, her greatest passion remained her faith and connection with others. She taught Sunday School at Neighborhood Church and was actively involved with Promise Church at the time of her passing, forming many lasting friendships along the way.
Mary Lou was affectionately known as “Auntie Moo” to her two nieces, Kristen and Rachel Johnson, and was a loyal sister to her brother Ray Johnson Jr.. She cherished her family and was dedicated to sharing her faith. She often introduced people to Jesus, helping them find peace and contentment in their spiritual journeys.
In accordance with her wishes, Mary Lou opted for cremation rather than burial. She requested the inscription of Genesis 50:20 on her memorial: “But God meant it for good.” She is survived by her brother Ray, his wife Nancy, and her nieces and their families, including Ivy and William Keller, and Brooke, Abigail, and Maxwell Arnold.
As per her wishes, there will be no formal service. Condolences and thoughts can be shared online at NewtonBracewell.com. Mary Lou Johnson’s life was a testament to her adventurous spirit and unwavering love for her community and faith. She leaves behind a profound impact on those who knew her, a legacy that will endure in the hearts of many.
