On December 17, 2025, Mary Lou Johnson, a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for faith and community, passed away at the age of 85. Born on February 8, 1940, in Woodland, California, she was the daughter of the late Senator Ray Johnson and Lorraine Johnson. Mary Lou’s life was marked by her adventurous spirit, love for horses, and commitment to serving others.
Mary Lou’s family relocated to Chico in 1943, where she attended local schools and graduated from Chico High School in 1957. Although she initially enrolled at Mills College, she returned to Chico State University, where her passion for horses led her to leave her studies after her sophomore year to work on a ranch in Sheridan, Wyoming. There, she honed her skills in cutting horses and served as district secretary for Wyoming’s only Congressman, William Henry Harrison.
Following her time in Wyoming, Mary Lou returned to California and worked as a secretary for State Senator Fred Marler in Sacramento. She pursued her education further, graduating from Chico State in January 1971 with a teaching credential. Her dedication to education continued as she developed a remedial reading lab at Orland High School, where she taught from 1975 to 1981.
In 1983, Mary Lou moved back to Sacramento to write speeches for officials in the Department of Health Services. Yet, her love for horses remained strong, prompting her to return to Chico to serve as secretary, registrar, and newsletter editor for the American Association of Owners and Breeders of Peruvian Paso Horses. From 1987 to 2003, she established an advertising agency for the breed and created a coloring book celebrating it. Additionally, she contributed to her brother Ray’s construction business.
Later in life, Mary Lou ventured into the financial sector by working for Primerica, where she obtained her insurance license. Despite her varied career, she remained deeply committed to her faith, teaching Sunday School at Neighborhood Church and later at Promise Church. Her relationships with her family were important to her; she was a beloved “Auntie Moo” to her nieces, Kristen and Rachel, a supportive sister to her brother Ray Johnson, Jr., and a cherished sister-in-law to Nancy.
Mary Lou’s profound faith shaped her life, inspiring her to help others find peace and contentment through their beliefs. She expressed a desire for the biblical reference Genesis 50:20 to be included in her memorial, stating, “But God meant it for good.”
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service following her passing. Mary Lou Johnson is survived by her brother Ray, his wife Nancy, and her nieces Kristen and Rachel, along with their families, who will carry on her legacy of love and service. Those wishing to extend their condolences can do so online at NewtonBracewell.com.
