On Thursday, November 29, Mrs. Mary Geitner “Geit” Johnson was honored with the 2018 Excellence in Service and Giving Award, presented by the Mitchell Community College Foundation and Endowment for Excellence at the second annual President’s Circle Dinner.

Mrs. Johnson was born to a country doctor in Taylorsville, North Carolina. As a girl, she watched her father encounter patients who were able to pay for care—and patients who could not. Her father didn’t discriminate between the two, though, treating patients no matter their circumstances. These early life lessons helped form Mrs. Johnson’s giving spirit.

Mrs. Johnson earned a degree at Peace College and later married James Johnson. Through the years, Mr. Johnson served as President and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company, a board member for Duke Energy, and a state senator in the North Carolina legislature. Mrs. Johnson served on the board of the United Way of Iredell County and has long been a devoted supporter of her church, Broad Street United Methodist. Raising two daughters, the Johnsons were heavily involved in Statesville’s community.

In addition to her community service, Mrs. Johnson served on the Board of Directors of the Mitchell Community College Endowment for Excellence from 2000 until 2017. She volunteered for many of the Endowment’s events and dinners, and she now serves as a member of Mitchell’s Board of Visitors.

The legacy of the Johnsons' service and giving continues to enable the educations of dozens and dozens of students. After her husband’s passing, Mrs. Johnson established the James V. Johnson Scholarship at Mitchell, which for more than 20 years has supplied financial aid to students in business, nursing, and other fields—whether they could pay for their education or not. Just as her father had done years before, Mrs. Johnson chose to help Mitchell students regardless of their circumstances.

Mrs. Johnson’s service to the community, College and students along with her strong philanthropic spirit were honored. “Mrs. Mary Geitner Johnson is a life-long example of civic commitment and leadership,” said Mitchell president, Dr. Tim Brewer, “She has an ardent and generous belief in the college’s students and their future.”

The Excellence in Service and Giving Award honors a donor to the Mitchell Community College Foundation and Endowment for Excellencewho has shown dedication to the College and community. To learn more about the Mitchell Community College Foundation and Endowment for Excellence, contact James Hogan, Vice President for Advancement, at jhogan@mitchellcc.edu or (704) 878-4321.