Mary Ann (Lewis) Martin-Johnson

Born on January 31, 1935, in Conway, South Carolina, Mary Ann made her entrance into the world in dramatic fashion — a breach birth, no less. Even at birth, it seemed she had her own way of doing things, and she’s been gracefully standing out ever since.

The daughter of William and Ruby Lewis, Mary Ann, was raised alongside her siblings Morgan and Martha in a loving, close-knit family. Before she began high school, the family moved to Myrtle Beach when her father took a position as a sheriff’s deputy — a move that would root Mary Ann deeply in the community she still calls home.

At Myrtle Beach High School, Mary Ann made an impression that went far beyond academics. She was crowned Miss Myrtle Beach High and later honored as Homecoming Queen. But the tiaras didn’t stop there. She went on to be crowned Miss Myrtle Beach and, in perhaps her most endearing title, Miss Sweet Potato Queen — proof that she could represent both elegance and Southern charm with equal flair.

After high school, Mary Ann attended Columbia College, continuing her education while staying true to her values of family and community. She raised three children — Durward, Suzy, and a third beloved child, Hal teaching them the importance of kindness, grace, and doing the right thing, not by preaching, but by leading through example.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors and competition, Mary Ann is an avid golfer with two hole-in-ones under her belt — a rare badge of honor even among golf veterans. She’s been featured more than a dozen times in the Myrtle Beach Sun News and has a collection of golf and bowling trophies that speak to her natural skill and perseverance.

But Mary Ann’s talents extend far beyond the green. She’s a gifted bridge player, an enthusiastic dancer, and a proud lifetime member of the Driftwood Garden Club, where her appreciation for beauty and community has flourished for decades.

Despite all the accolades and achievements, what people remember most about Mary Ann isn’t the crowns or the trophies — it’s her genuine kindness. She has a way of making everyone feel like someone, always greeting others with a warm smile and treating new faces like old friends.

A resident at Myrtle Beach Manor once shared, “When I met Mary Ann, she spoke to me like I was the only person in the room. Then she introduced me around like I’d been part of the group forever”. That’s Mary Ann — a woman who lifts others up, who sees the good in everyone, and who builds community wherever she goes.

Whether she’s leading a garden club meeting, playing a bridge hand, dancing to a favorite tune, or simply sitting down for a conversation, Mary Ann Lewis brings people together — with warmth, wit, and a big heart.

She is survived by her daughter, Suzy M. Brooks and husband Joe, her son, Durward Early-Martin, grandchildren, Tricia Kirk and husband Noah, Emily Enos and husband Virgil, Matthew Early, Jonathan Early. Great-grandchildren, Hannah Pertko, Hunter McKenzie and Rylan Cook. Nephew Mitchell Martin III and great nephew, Jason Hamilton.

Beside her parents, Mary Ann was predeceased by her husbands, H.C. “Chubby” Martin and Harold Johnson, her son, Harold “Hal” Martin, brother, Morgan Lewis and sister Martha L. Early.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 13, 2026, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends Monday, prior to services from 12:45 PM until 1:50 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd Suite 6200, Arlington, VA 22209.

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