Mardella Mary Johnson

Mardella Mary Johnson, was born on June 2, 1922. On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, God Called her from her labor on earth to her heavenly home. “Della” or “Mar” as she was addressed by her family and loving friends, was the daughter of the late Tindley “Poppop” and Violet “MomMom” Johnson. Lewis “Teddy” Hayward, her oldest son, lost his life while serving in the United States Army in Vietnam. Russell Hayward preceded “Della” in death in 1982. Mardella’s education began in a one room school at Tindley’s Chapel in Somerset County. She competed her education at Stephen Long as a salutatorian and graduated from Snow Hill High School in Worcester County. To know Mardella was to love her. She was feisty and a no nonsense person. She loved her family and the Tindley’s Chapel Community. Mardella loved people and never met a stranger. She was very generous, enjoyed cooking and providing care for others. “MAY THE WORK I’VE DONE SPEAK FOR ME.” Mardella was dedicated to serving the Lord through her discipleship. She worked in New York City for 15 years as a homecare giver, before returning home to Pocomoke. She was employed by Pocomoke Convalescent Home (Hartley Hall Nursing Home). During a 30-year period, she continued to pursue her career in the field of nursing. One of her greatest achievements was being named Nursing Assistant of the Month on several occasions and recognized for her dedication to the job. An active member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Mardella loved to sing. Some of her favorite hymns included Battle Hymn of the Republic, Amazing Grace, Going Up Yonder, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, When the Saints Go Marching In and One Day At A Time. As long as her health permitted, she was a member of the choir for 25 years. Mardella also served as the Spiritual Growth Leader for the United Methodist Women and the Prayer and Self-Denial Ministry which included writing resolutions and sending cards to the sick. As a young Christian, she was also the pianist and music director for Tindley’s Chapel Church. Mardella was an active participant of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW #10048. Precious memories of Mardella’s life and legacy will be cherished by: her daughter, June Johnson of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania and son, Lawrence “Hank” Hayward (Paula) of Pompano Beach, Florida; godchildren, Edison and Miriam Golden, Shirley White, Kadovia Waters, Irene West and Tim Revels; grandchildren, Teresa Gardner (Daryll) of Delaware, Lewis Miller of Pennsylvania, Jason Hayward, Sr. (Geneva) of Delaware, Rochelle Hayward of Delaware, Otiesse Jones (Derrick) of Pennsylvania and Janelle Hayward of Delaware; 11 great grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; her longtime best friend/sister from childhood to adulthood, Mrs. Beatrice Jones of Pocomoke, Maryland; special friends, Helen Johnson of Pocomoke, Maryland and Diane Taylor of Chester, Pennsylvania and other loving family members and friends. In addition to her parents and sons, Mardella was preceded in death by two brothers, Morrison Tindley and Raymond Johnson. SUBMITTED WITH LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

Mardella Mary Johnson

June 2, 1922 - March 21, 2023