Grandma Mary, my father's mom, wore purple from age 13 to 98, with only an occasional accent of pastel pink or blue. Her glasses, shoes, purses, and coats were lavender, lilac, amethyst, or deep violet. Other than sharpened pencils, she wrote with nothing but a classic purple Paper-mate felt pen.

Her legacy, though, was never really about the color — it was about her joy and generosity. Until words couldn't form on her lips, she sang, "I love you, I love you, yes, I do, I do!" to every child, grandchild, and great grandchild. She blessed them with sparkling eyes of delight and a crisp $5 bill pressed into each palm. In her final decade, she received a modest $400/month and proceeded to Paper-mate her signature on $25, $50, or $100 checks to family and ministries in lieu of spending on herself. When words were declining, she assured us her usefulness was not in jeopardy, for she had much to ask the Father for on behalf of those she loved.

I've known no other widow's mite maven who so sparkled with the light and love of Jesus! Her simple song, her gift giving, and her color palette have shaped me and my extended family.

Mary Pauline Johnson
December 13, 1909 – May 5, 2008

GRANDMA MARY LOVED: JESUS, GENEROSITY, & JOY (and purple)!!