EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Mary Katherine Johnson Mayer, 77, of Evansville passed away Friday, March 4, 2022, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital.

Mary was born in Evansville Aug. 30, 1944, to the late Edgar and Pearl Brown Johnson.

She worked as a housekeeper in the healthcare industry for 20 years, serving a majority of her time at Braun's Nursing Home. Mary had an incredible desire for life and to live. Her amazing perseverance, mental fortitude and strong will helped her overcome numerous medical complications throughout her life. Despite these obstacles, Mary always woke up with a smile on her face. She never denied an opportunity to lend a hand to someone in need. In her free time, Mary enjoyed bowling, swimming, dancing and playing cards. Family meant the world to Mary. She will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.

Mary is survived by her life-partner of 33 years, Jerry Mayer; daughters, Tammy (Chalen) Tatum of Thebes, Illinois, and Tanya (Jody) Briner of Charlotte, North Carolina; son, Ronnie Romans of Cape Girardeau; brother, David Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Kacey Romans, C.J. Tatum, Maddison Briner, Kati (Justin) Norman and Robert Briner; several nieces and nephews; and future great-grandson, Jude Michael Norman.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Doris Smith; and brother, Robert Johnson.

A celebration of Mary's life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., in Evansville, with Pastor Steve Clayton officiating.

Friends may visit from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday, April 23, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6415 Castleway W. Dr., Suite 114, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Intensive Care Unit staff at Deaconess Gateway Hospital for all their care and compassion towards Mary.

Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.