Mary Lorenza Johnson Boyd

Age 78, of Nashville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Saturday, December 2, 2017.

Mary Lorenza Norton Boyd made her grand entrance on March 3,1939. She was born to the late District Superintendent Lorenzo Nathan Johnson and Rhuel Johnson. She was educated in Nashville Public Schools and graduated from Pearl High School. Mary continued her education and received her degree from Draughon Junior Business College.

She retired as an Administrative Assistant from the General Board of Discipleship - Department of the United Methodist Publishing Board.

Mary began playing the piano at the age of four before her feet could reach the peddles. She sung with her brothers and sisters which were called the “Johnson Five”. Subsequently the brothers resigned from the group which left the three sisters.They were known as the “Johnson Sisters” as they sang all over the state of Tennessee.

Mary was a chartered member of Cathedral Of Praise (formerly known as Pentecostal Tabernacle). After hearing a radio broadcast of the then Elder Jonathan Greer, Mary wrote a letter requesting him to come to Nashville. Subsequently, Pentecostal Tabernacle Church was founded and became one of the leading churches in Nashville.
Mary was an energetic speaker but her passion was playing the piano. She was a piaonist for several churches such as Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, Mount Sinai Cumberland Presbeterian Church, Faith United, Alpha United Baptist Church, and Olivet Baptist Church. She also accompanied different ministers at several of the nursing homes on a weekly basis. Her last note was played on this side of life on Saturday, December 2, 2017.

She leaves to cherish her memories a son, Michael E. Johnson Sr.(Eucretia), daughters, Pamela Norton Dozier, and Latonya Norton; step son, Fred Wagstaff; sisters, Brenda Covington, and Jacqueline Nichols (Howard); brother, Christopher Johnson (Joyce), preceding her death brothers, David "Sonny" Johnson and Jonathan Johnson,;sister in law, Maratha Hayes; grandchildren, Lashana Norton, Michael Johnson II (Jada), Jeremy Johnson, Jonathan Johnson, Lemuel Dozier, and Amedeo Norton; great grandchildren, Alexandria Norton and Antonio Norton; many devoted nieces and nephews.