[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 35 (Monday, March 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MAE CAROL JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2015

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great 
American. I had the honor of knowing Mae Carol Johnson of Seaside, 
California, for many years. Mae was the Monterey Peninsula's super mom. 
She dedicated her life to service. No matter who you were, she wanted 
to help. She combined the world's biggest heart with its biggest smile. 
She lit up every room she entered and when she spoke everybody wanted 
to listen. She died on February 24, 2015 at the age of 82. Her passing 
has left a huge hole in the fabric of our community.
   Mae lived a full life. She was born in Columbus, Georgia. She moved 
to the Monterey Peninsula in 1954 and after her divorce in 1962, she 
took on the responsibility of raising her daughter and 5 sons as a 
single parent. She worked as a domestic by day and took college courses 
at night to earn a teaching credential which launched her career as an 
educator.
   During her impressive 35 year career, she served as a teacher, 
counselor, dean, vice principal and principal. Her reading and thinking 
programs, developed under her leadership at Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Middle School received state recognition. In 1987, she was a recipient 
of the Milken Family Foundation Educator Award. She served on several 
boards including the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, the 
Community Foundation of Monterey County, and The Village Project. Mae 
was a founding member of the Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. Monterey 
Peninsula Alumnae Chapter and a member of Friendship Baptist Church.
   Mae earned her Masters Degree from the Monterey Institute of 
International Studies. She embraced her role as a leader and her 
campuses were training grounds for several top Monterey Peninsula 
Unified School District principals. She challenged others to always 
strive for excellence.
   Mae enjoyed poetry, the performing arts and family gatherings. She 
is predeceased by her daughter, Roselyn Johnson. She is survived by her 
brother, Cleotis Webb, Coleman, GA, sister, Cheryl Lawrence, Chicago, 
IL, sons Andre and Ronald Johnson of Monterey, Edwin Johnson of Las 
Vegas, Kenneth Johnson of Tracy and Robert (Bobby) Johnson of Los 
Angeles, 9 grandchildren and her beloved friend and companion, Martin 
Taylor.
   Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak for the whole House in sharing our 
condolences with Mae's children, grandchildren, extended family, and 
countless friends. We owe them a debt of gratitude for sharing such a 
remarkable woman with our nation. The world is a better place because 
of Mae's journey with it.

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