Mary Ferguson

Mary Gail Johnson entered the world on January 4, 1943 in Savannah, Georgia. She was the second of five children born to George and Gail Johnson. She grew up in a loving home shaped by Christian values. The Johnson family attended Tremont Temple Baptist Church and at an early age, Mary Gail declared her love of Christ and accepted him as her Savior. She was an active Sunday School member, and her love of God, church and family continued throughout her life.
Mary, as she was known by her family and friends in Savannah, was a distinguished member of the Beach High School Class of 1960. She was the editor of the school yearbook and graduated in the top ten percent of her class. She made many dear friends with whom she remained close throughout her life. After graduat- ing from high school, she attended Savannah State where she studied business. During her junior year, she attended a freedom rally to support equal rights for African Americans. Eric Ferguson, a Cincinnati native, was attending the same rally and spotted Mary Gail in the crowd. He was introduced to Mary Gail by mutual friends and Eric says it was “love at first sight”. After a brief long distance courtship, Eric returned to Savannah to marry Mary Gail. On May 16, 1964 at the Justice of the Peace in Ridgeland, South Carolina, Mary Gail Johnson became Mary Gail Ferguson and headed to Cincinnati, Ohio where she would live for the remainder of her life.
Eric and Mary Gail became the loving parents of two children, Tauana Ann Ferguson (McDonald) and Eric Julian Ferguson. Because Mary Gail lost her own mother at an early age, every night she prayed and asked God to allow her to raise her children and see her grandchildren. God granted her wish. She was an incredible mother who created a home filled with unconditional love for her husband and her children. She was also a doting grandmother to Trey and Erica McDonald.
Gail, as she was known by friends and family in Cincinnati, worked for Dover Elevator Company for many years. However, she spent the second half of her career working for the Community Action Agency where she helped clients get their utilities restored. She loved her time at the CAA because she believed that she was doing God’s work by helping others.
Gail joined Trinity Missionary Baptist Church when she moved to Cincinnati and remained a faith- ful, active member until the end. She was a member of the Willing Workers and the Kitchen Committee. Anyone who knew Gail, knew that she was a gifted cook. She graciously gave her time and her talent anytime that she was asked.
On June 5, 2014, Mary Gail received her angel wings and went home to be with the Lord. For the duration of her illness, she endured with faith, dignity and grace. Although she will be sorely missed by her family and friends, all can take comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and she is now at peace.
Mary Gail Ferguson is survived by her loving husband, Eric Ferguson; her daughter, Tauana McDonald (Ann Arbor, MI); her son, Eric Julian Ferguson; her favorite son-in-law, Frederick McDonald; her grandchildren, Trey McDonald (Ann Arbor, MI) and Erica McDonald (Ann Arbor, MI); her mother-in-law, Florence Ferguson; her sister, Julia Johnson (Savannah, GA); her brothers, Alvin and Marion Johnson (Savannah, GA); and a host of sister- in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Elvera Crumley.