Mary Johnson Burkhart

Mary Gay Johnson Burkhart, 94, of Carl B. Road in Lexington, passed away at her home surrounded by family Monday June 8, 2026.

She was the youngest of eleven children born to Mary Rebecca Cole Johnson and Robert Henry Johnson on November 19, 1931, in the mountains of Jackson County, North Carolina. She moved to Lexington in her early years where she met and married the love of her life, Carl Eugene Burkhart who passed away August 10, 2023. She worked 20 plus years in the finishing room at Dixie Furniture and later worked 5 years as an end finder at PPG Industries, both of Lexington.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents, a daughter, Glenna Sue Thorpe, a grandson, Thomas Edward Hufton, mother-in-law, and father -in-law Minnie Gurney Burkart. Also preceding her in death are her sisters, Ruth Phillips, Robbie Gaddies, Emma Franklin, Athelene Stansberry, Nellie Duvall, Imogene Poole, Marie Payne Thelma Frizzell and brothers, Lester Johnson and Rass Johnson.

Left to treasure her memory are daughters Kim Shuman (Scott) and Carla Burkhart, her son-in-law Chris Thorpe, grandchildren, Wendy Smith (Aaron) and Jerry Hufton “Bo” Jr. (Regina), her dear great great-grandson Dravon Hufton (Hannah), she also leaves behind a special sister-in-laws Mildred “Shorty” Burkhart and Doris Allen. A special cousin-in-law Wanda Allred, nieces and nephews, Cheryl Prevo (Greg), Dot Gardner, Pat Stiles, Mary (Shan) Bruce, Judy Norton, Robert L. Johnson (Linda), James Frizzell (Felcie), Keith Frizzell (Tammy) and many other nieces and nephews and other family whom she loved dearly. Also left to treasure her memory are special friends Patricia Fritts (Bobby) and Martha Leonard. She loved her fur babies, Precious and Buster.

She loved and cherished her church family at Beck’s Lutheran Church where she taught Bible School, sang in the choir and was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Group.

The family would like to thank the special staff at Hospice of Davidson County, especially Karen, Pam, Melissa, Katelyn and dear friend, Lisa Fowler.

Mary was a loving, caring, strong and kind wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 pm Saturday June 13, 2026 at Beck’s Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family will follow after the service in the church.

Memorials may be made to Beck’s Lutheran Church or Hospice of Davidson County.