Mary Dean Rumph

Mary Dean Johnson was born on January 12, 1949 in Bakerhill, Alabama to proud parents of Mozell Johnson and Clyde Bruce both preceded her in death. Also eight sisters, Lula, Betty, Viola, Cathryn, Kate, Florence, Lucy and Louise. Two brothers: Freddie and Bosie.

At an early age, she joined the Oakey Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Bakerhill, AL where she served faithfully as secretary and member of the choir. After moving to Clayton, AL, she joined Old Mt. Silla Missionary Baptist Church. There she served as Youth Director, Director of OMS Anointed Angel Praise Dance Ministry, Choir and Praise Team, Secretary, Chaplain of the Missionary Ministry and member of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry.

She attended Freemount Jr. High School, in Bakerhill, AL. After it closed, she graduated in 1965 from Barbour County Training High School in Clayton, AL. She also attended Los Angeles Community College in Los Angeles, California. On returning back home, she worked at Van Heusen in Clayton, AL, The Eufaula Adolescent Center, The Charles Parramore Center as a Teacher Associate, where she retired in 2012, and Volunteered at The Boys and Girls Club in Eufaula, AL up under the Foster Grandparent Program. She loved working and teaching children and they loved her and always wanted to stay with her. Also, she enjoyed working with many churches in the surrounding area and their youth. She was truly a Woman of God. She had a strong belief in God, and enjoyed bringing the Word on the prayer line at 5:00 am as a Facilitator. She also ministered at the Henry County Rehabilitation Center in Abbeville, AL. She loved to praise and worship God.

Organizations & Clubs: Founder of the Gospel Caravan Gospel Singers since 1975, President of the Ministerial Alliance Community Choir, Past Secretary of the Red Circles in the Southeast State Convention, Secretary of the United District Association and BTU Congress, Order of Eastern Star Bright Crown Chapter No. 220, Ladies Aid Society No. 113, Heroines of Jericho St. Mary’s Court No 65, Member of the Fourth Sunday Night Fellowship Churches, where she served as a Scholarship Committee Member, also a member of the Eufaula Homemaker’s Club. On January 18, 2020, she received the 7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit of Service Award, in honor of dedicated and continuous community service to the youth and families of Barbour County, awarded by the Class of 1982 memorial scholarship fund committee. Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital February 2018 and January 2021 for her special charity.

In February, She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Bennie James Turner. To this union three children were born. Later in years in February, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Deacon James Rumph who preceded her in death. Also nieces, Aubrey Grubbs, Cassandra Hicks and Nephews, John E. Austin, Robert Austin, Winfred Taylor, Wilfred Baker and Robert Lynn. One sister & friend, Margaret Winslett & Mary Lawrence.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: One Daughter Katisha (Antonio) Ivey of Eufaula, AL; Two Sons: Verrell (Michelle) Turner of Dothan, AL, and Darrell (Tamara) Turner of Enterprise, AL. She was blessed with extended sons and daughters: Ann Henton (niece), Willie Jett of Bakerhill, AL, Amos (Barbara) Jett of Eufaula, AL, Bennie (Katherine) Jett of Clayton, AL, Eddie (Janice) Jett of Clayton, AL, James Rumph Jr., Trent Rumph, Norris (Lamettra) Rumph of Louisville, AL, Tonia (Cornelius) McCray of Birmingham, AL, and Tangela Holmes; One sister, Clara Bell Parks of Dothan, AL; One brother, Clarence Bruce of Clayton, AL; Special Grandchildren: Kevon, Kylor, Gavin, Darrell Jr., Cameron, Jalen, Jayla, and AJ; A host of God Children: Kimialeesha, Keenya, Daphne, Richard, Antonio, Destiny, Gabrielle, Thomas, Jada, Jayden, Gwen, Alto, Gaylen, Stephanie, Tonya, Frazier Jr., Ken, Othel and Carey; Special Friend, Martha Burks; A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Special Babies in the Dance Ministry: Kayla Glover, Ja’lerra Glover, Ja’Siyah Howard, Amaree Laster and Jakeria Lynn, The Anointed Angels.

Favorite Scripture:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.”

Philippians 4:13

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