Muriel Davis Johnson

MURIEL ANNICE DAVIS JOHNSON was born September 20, 1928, in Washington, D.C. to the proud parents of Ellsworth Davis and Theima Marshall Davis. She was the second eldest of seven children from this union. Her early education began in the Washington, D.C. public school system at Lovejoy Elementary School, Brown Junior High and the renowned Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. In her youth, she decided to become an educator. She matriculated at Miner Teachers College, now known as University of The District of Columbia (UDC). While attending Miner Teachers College, Muriel decided to focus her studies on secondary education. She focused on English and Social Studies instruction. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked for the federal government within the Department of Army’s finance department. While working, she also completed her Masters Degree at Howard University. She was encouraged by faculty advisors to pursue teaching opportunities in Baltimore, Maryland. Muriel began her career within the Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) in 1954, at George Hamilton Houston Junior High School. Muriel taught her coursework and served as a faculty advisor to the school newspaper, coordinated declamation (artistic public speaking) contests, and organized seasonal school plays. In June 1958 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Muriel united in marriage to Paul Mifflin Johnson, a Baltimore educator and finance administrator. Paul and Muriel were the first African American couple to wed at St. Cecilia. From this historic union, one daughter, Cecilia Ann (Ceily) Johnson was born. Paul and Muriel enjoyed over fifty years of marriage until his passing in June 2009. As a wife, mother and educator, Muriel sought to further expand her studies on how she could best assist both her family and students with their emotional growth and career development. Muriel completed post graduate coursework at Morgan State College (now University) and Towson State College (now University) to prepare for educational guidance counselor positions. Muriel became a counselor at Pimlico Junior High School, a newly integrated school. She prided herself on working with her students to make desired high school decisions and help her students navigate behavioral, peer and family interactions. Muriel was asked to assume a leadership role on Project Go, an initiative to prepare students for the world of work. Muriel was appointed as an assistant principal at Harlem Park Junior High School. She served at Harlem Park until her ‘first’ retirement in July 1983. Muriel was staunchly active in her church and community organizations. She was a former member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, converting to Catholicism in the early 1970s. She was a parishioner of St. Cecilia for over fifty years. Muriel served St. Cecilia in several capacities including serving as Sunday School Teacher, Lector, Corporator and both as Secretary and President of the Parish Council. She was also an active member of St. Cecilia’s Ladies of Charity. Within the civic community, Muriel held membership in organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Continental Societies, Inc., Baltimore Chapter, For-Win-Ash Garden Club, and Ashburton Area (Neighborhood) Association. While in retirement Muriel decided to return to the workforce. She held positions as the Manager of Congregant Housing and later as the Assistant Manager and Activities Coordinator at N.M. Caroll Manor, a Baltimore City senior residence. Muriel served at N.M. Caroll until retiring again in 2010. In addition to being a dutiful mother to Ceily, Muriel’s passion was as a fiercely devoted grandmother ‘Gaga’ to her grandchildren, Blair, Paul, and Natalie. She enjoyed being a great grandmother to Payton and loving mother-in-law to Barry Simms. She reveled in supporting her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchild in their academic, scholastic and career pursuits. Muriel enjoyed hosting family and friends, especially during the holidays. She was an avid scrabble player participating in a Scrabble club with colleagues and friends. In her personal time, family and friends knew not to disturb her during her favorite shows “The Young & The Restless”, “All My Children” and reality programs like “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”! She will be remembered for her classy style, warm smile, quick wit, straightforwardness, and gracious hospitality. On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Muriel peacefully slipped away. She is survived by her daughter, Cecilia Ann Johnson Simms and son-in-law, Barry Simms, of Baltimore, Maryland; grandsons, Blair Simms, of Baltimore Maryland, Paul Simms (LaReya) of Richmond, Virginia, and granddaughter, Natalie Simms of Baltimore, Maryland, one great granddaughter, Payton Simms of Richmond, Virginia; brothers Ronald Davis Sr. of Hyattsville, Maryland and Kenneth Davis (Wanda) of Washington, DC, devoted caregiver, Sarah Crowther of Pikesville, Maryland, her devoted “great grand dogs”, Harper and Kobe, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.

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Muriel Davis Johnson

September 20, 1928 - April 2, 2025