Celebrating Mary Alice "Sunshine" Johnson: A Legacy of Love and Culinary Wisdom

A Mother, A Teacher, An Ancestor

Mary Alice "Sunshine" Johnson was more than just a name; she was a beacon of love and wisdom. As a mother, she raised nine children, nurtured five grandchildren, and welcomed eight great-grandchildren into the world. For Sunshine, family was everything. She found her purpose in her loved ones, and that love extended to everyone who crossed her path.

A Teacher's Heart

Whenever I had too many questions, Sunshine had a solution. She'd retreat to her dining area, pull out a book from her encyclopedia set, and hand it to me. "All the answers you need are in here," she'd say. As a curious child, I dove into those pages. I spent countless weekends at her house, captivated by the fascinating information contained within. This love for knowledge sparked my tendency to explore even the smallest questions online. Sunshine, in her unique way, nurtured my passion for learning. I think she also appreciated the quiet time it gave her!

An Ancestor's Guidance

In 2015, my grandmother transitioned from this world, becoming an ancestor. The saying goes, "As long as the memory of a person lives on, so do they." I carry Sunshine's love and lessons with me every day. She witnessed my high school graduation and cheered me on as I entered college. Though she couldn't be there for my college graduation, I felt her spirit guiding me. I know my educational journey isn't over yet!

Ancestors continue to guide us, even when they're no longer physically present. Every time I bake a cake, I ask Sunshine and my other grandmother, Mom Mom, how much vanilla to add. I imagine my Grandpop James sitting at my kitchen table, waiting for a slice to taste. I believe that death is only sad if we allow memories to fade away.

Cherished Memories

I experienced a childhood rich with memories of my grandmother.

Delicious Moments

Saturday mornings were special. Sunshine would whip up her perfect banana pancakes, filling the air with a delightful aroma. After preschool, I'd be greeted with an ice-cold apple juice box, handmade Ritz cracker and Jif peanut butter sandwiches, and a Ziploc bag of fresh green grapes waiting for me in her gray Subaru.

Doting Lessons

Sunday mornings before church were another cherished time. I'd watch as Sunshine applied tiny dabs of perfume, teaching me my first lessons on how to be a lady. After church, she'd proudly show me off to the congregation, and we'd return home for a comforting lunch.

Those after-church lunches were always filling. My favorite was Creamette Salad. You might think this simple tuna pasta salad was gourmet, given how often I requested it. Sunshine served it on whole wheat bread or a bed of lettuce, with buttery Ritz Crackers on the side.

Creamette Salad is made with tuna, mayo, relish, boiled egg, celery, raw onion, and elbow macaroni noodles. I didn't learn until adulthood that it was named after a specific brand of elbow macaroni my grandma used. What a letdown!

Honoring a Legacy

As we begin this new year, I want to honor the woman who shaped my understanding of femininity and motherhood. Mary Alice Johnson, my namesake, was so special that she celebrated two birthdays. The U.S. government recorded her birth on January 10, 1926, but she celebrated on January 15. Both dates hold significance for me. Today, she would be 100 years old! We celebrate her 100 years of selflessness, caregiving, and unwavering commitment to family. Her spirit continues to connect all of us Johnsons, both now and in the future.