Mary (Annette) Antoinette Johnson

Mary Antoinette Johnson 

“Annette”

Mary Antoinette Johnson, affectionately known as “Annette,” was the beloved daughter of the late Carroll Monroe and Jeanette Higginbotham. On September 22, 2026, Annette unexpectedly, yet peacefully, transitioned from this life into her heavenly home at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark, Delaware.

Annette was born on January 5, 1952, at Bridgeton Hospital in Bridgeton, New Jersey. She spent her childhood and formative years in Port Norris, New Jersey, where she was raised until early adulthood. She later made her home in Vineland, New Jersey. After marrying Pastor Curtis Johnson, Annette began a new chapter of her life in Delaware. Together, they made Delaware their home for 34 years, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

In December 1991, Annette met the love of her life, Pastor Curtis Johnson. Their love quickly blossomed, and on June 13, 1992, they joined their lives together in marriage. From that day forward, they were nearly inseparable—traveling together, worshiping together, supporting one another, and sharing a beautiful life filled with love and companionship. Through every season, they remained devoted to one another. Pastor Curtis faithfully stood by Annette’s side, loving and caring for her until the very end.

Annette dedicated many years of her life to caring for and serving others. She worked at both the Woodbine and Vineland Developmental Centers, where she eventually served in a supervisory role at Woodbine. After relocating to Delaware, Annette resigned from her position and followed her passion for caring for children by opening her own daycare, Mary’s Little Lambs, which she lovingly operated for 15 years. Following the closing of her daycare, Annette continued her work with children through the Christina School District, where she served for five years, eventually retiring due to health complications.

Annette accepted Christ at an early age while attending her childhood church, John Wesley Methodist Church, in Port Norris, New Jersey. She later attended and became a member of Mount Pisgah Methodist Church, where she served as First Lady while her husband pastored for seven years. During that time, she taught new member classes, played the organ, and directed the Voices of Praise Choir. Around 2005, Annette and her husband founded Transforming Truth Ministries, where they continued to serve the Lord together. Her faith, devotion, and commitment to serving others remained central throughout her life.

Annette embraced life with a joyful and adventurous spirit. She enjoyed horseback riding at the stables of one of her closest friends, Denise, and had a love for traveling that took her around the world, including destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Caribbean islands, and beyond. She especially enjoyed cruising and creating new memories wherever her travels took her. Family was at the heart of so many of Annette’s happiest moments. She loved family outings and gatherings, especially trips to amusement parks, where she was often the first one to reach the roller coasters. She deeply adored her grandchildren and treasured picking them up and taking them on adventures, creating memories they would carry with them for a lifetime. Annette also loved accompanying her husband to the golf course, proudly supporting and cheering him on through many of his competitions. She cherished the friendships she formed throughout her life and valued the special moments shared with those she loved. Above all, Annette loved the Lord. Worshiping and praising God brought her tremendous joy, and her faith remained an important part of who she was throughout her life.

Annette leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Pastor Curtis Johnson of Newark, Delaware; her two daughters, Dionne Monroe of Newark, Delaware, and Dana Monroe Parks (Walter) of Raleigh, North Carolina; and four bonus children, Lanita Daffin of Bowie, Maryland, Curtis Johnson Jr. (Leelee) of Illinois, Travis Johnson (Marie) of Spring Hill, Florida, and Vincent Johnson (Sara) of Greenville, South Carolina.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Deborah Ellis of Vineland, New Jersey; her brother, Donald Higginbotham (Lucinda) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; her brothers and sister-in-law, Jimmy Brown (Iris) of Puerto Rico, Arlene Brown of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Jerry Brown (Linda) of Smiths Falls, Canada. Annette’s legacy continues through her 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, with one more great-grandchild on the way; four godchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, Carroll Monroe and Jeanette Higginbotham; her mother and father-in-law, Thelma and Alonso Brown; her beloved siblings, Dwayne and Donna Higginbotham; and her brothers and sister-in-law, Sidney Johnson, Alonso Brown, and Linda Brown.