Fairfax, SC- Mary Maroma Gist, the daughter of the late Louis Johnson, Sr., and the late Estella Wright Johnson, was born September 19, 1930, in Fairfax, South Carolina. At an early age, she confessed Christ as her personal Savior and joined Greater Bethel AME Church, where she served faithfully.  She received her formal education at Fairfax Training School, Fairfax, South Carolina. Mary furthered her studies at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After graduating college, she began her teaching career at Furman School, Furman, South Carolina. She later transitioned her career to Fairfax Elementary School, formerly known as Fairfax Training School (CB Byrd), Fairfax, South Carolina. For 33 years, Mary was a hard-working and dedicated teacher.  She met, fell in love with and married the late Willie Gist. To this union, two children were born: Michael and Marcella. Mary was active in the community, and served as a member of the Fairfax Women’s Club. She also served on the Fairfax Library Board for many years.  She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Willie Gist.  On Sunday, February 18, 2018, she transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home. Mary leaves to cherish her fond memories: a son, Michael Gist,

Augusta, GA; a daughter, Marcella Gist, North Augusta; four grandchildren, Brittany Gist, Augusta, GA, Michael Gist, II, Kansas City, MO, Simone (Katrice) Gist, North Augusta, SC, and Naquan Gist, Augusta, GA; four great-grandchildren, Shani Jones, Jamarion Johnson, Jaida Johnson, and Terrence Marshall, II; adopted children, Twiligher Jones, Marvin Singleton, and Carl Love; special daughter-in-law, Melanie Gist; a host of nieces; a devoted niece, Yvonne Miller; nephews, cousins, and devoted cousins, Mamie Peeples, Ida Pickney, Carrie Hall, and James Pickney and caring friends.