Mary Berry Holmes Johnston

Mary Berry Holmes Johnston, 71, of Mount Pleasant, although untimely, went peacefully to her greatly anticipated heavenly home Sunday, April 3, 2022. 

Born October 11, 1950 in Orangeburg, Mrs. Johnston was the daughter of the late Joseph Andrew (J.A.) and Nancy Womble Berry. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 20 years, Charles Edward Holmes of Johnston, South Carolina.

She is survived by her adored husband, of 21 years, Harry Latané Johnston of Mount Pleasant, three sisters, three daughters, three stepchildren, and ten grandchildren. 

Daughters include Claire Eckert (Chris) of Columbia, Nan McGregor (Eric) of Avon Park, FL and Lauren Rivers (Brian) of Mt Pleasant. Stepchildren include Richard Johnston (Nicole) of Colorado Springs, CO, Julie Sosa (Geovany) of New York, NY and Harriet Johnston (Brian) of Greenville. Along with ten grandchildren: Johnathan, Frances, Michael and Samuel Eckert; Legare, Liam and Holmes McGregor; William and Izzy Johnson and Stiles Legare Rivers - coming in August, but very much known and loved by her Mimi.

Her sisters, Barbara Berry Galloway (Alex) of Winston Salem; Nan Berry Bracy (Biff) of Charlotte, and Julia Stiles Berry of St Matthews, her twin. 

She received a BA degree in Education from Converse College and a M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina. Mary taught Special Education in Columbia and Edgefield County. She served on the State Advisory Committee of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for many years. She was a member of Saint Andrews Church, where she enjoyed mentoring with Drawing Near to God ministries. 

Although we could list many accomplishments and accolades, she was  most proud of being God’s beloved child. After her college years, she started reading the Bible, understanding the bigger picture of God’s story with the world and it transformed her life. The love she absorbed from the Word daily, she in turn poured it out on others with intentionality. 

Mary’s joy, diligence, and trusting her God have been pillars of strength and life in her family. The family and friends given to her, she stewarded well. She was a fiercely loyal friend, a soulmate to Harry, a vocal cheerleader of her sisters, a mother with every fiber of her being, and her deepest joy: being a magnetic “Mimi,” a thoughtful grandparent with the wonder of a child. 

Funeral service and visitation arrangements will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Charles E. Holmes Endowment Fund my.fca.org/holmesendowmentfund; 8701 Leeds Road, Kansas City, MO 64129, or Drawing Near to God Ministries, PO Box 1274 Mt Pleasant, SC 29465 or St. Andrews Church, 440 Whilden Street Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc, Mt. Pleasant Chapel.