Women of Watercolor
A TRIBUTE TO MARY LOU JOHNS, A DEAR FRIEND AND A WONDERFUL ARTIST
Celebration of Life- Mary Lou Johns
August 18, 2025
For those of you I do not know I am Emily Wahl. My friendship with Mary Lou began the day I was plein air painting the Wedding House on Harris Street and a stranger stopped by and told me there was a watercolor painter that lived in a pink Victorian House on High Street. I packed up my gear, walked over to High Street, knocked on the door, and was welcomed with a smile by Mary Lou. That began a forever sisterhood and a deep friendship among, Tom, myself, John & Mary Lou.
I would like to share a poem that speaks to me about my dear friend
She Walked Her Own Way
For a Celebration of Life
She walked through life with quiet grace,
A giving heart, a smiling face.
No storm could shake the ground she knew--
She stood for love, for what was true
Her kindness lived in all she gave,
A soul so gentle, bright, and brave.
Not for reward, not seeking praise--
Just love, expressed in countless ways.
Independent, fierce, and free,
She lived her truth unapologetically.
With open arms and steady hands,
She met each day with strength that stands.
Her laughter warmed the coldest air,
Her presence—calm, sincere, and rare.
She listened deep, she gave her all,
And lifted others when they'd fall.
Though now her voice has found its rest,
Her spirit lives in every guest--
In every act of love we show,
In every seed of care we sow.
So when we give, and when we stand
With open hearts and outstretched hands--
We walk her path, we speak her name,
And through our love, she lives again.
Mary Lou,
You gave your heart and love to me and for that I will keep you treasured in my heart forever. I will miss you and love you forever dear friend.
August 18, 2025
For those of you I do not know I am Emily Wahl. My friendship with Mary Lou began the day I was plein air painting the Wedding House on Harris Street and a stranger stopped by and told me there was a watercolor painter that lived in a pink Victorian House on High Street. I packed up my gear, walked over to High Street, knocked on the door, and was welcomed with a smile by Mary Lou. That began a forever sisterhood and a deep friendship among, Tom, myself, John & Mary Lou.
I would like to share a poem that speaks to me about my dear friend
She Walked Her Own Way
For a Celebration of Life
She walked through life with quiet grace,
A giving heart, a smiling face.
No storm could shake the ground she knew--
She stood for love, for what was true
Her kindness lived in all she gave,
A soul so gentle, bright, and brave.
Not for reward, not seeking praise--
Just love, expressed in countless ways.
Independent, fierce, and free,
She lived her truth unapologetically.
With open arms and steady hands,
She met each day with strength that stands.
Her laughter warmed the coldest air,
Her presence—calm, sincere, and rare.
She listened deep, she gave her all,
And lifted others when they'd fall.
Though now her voice has found its rest,
Her spirit lives in every guest--
In every act of love we show,
In every seed of care we sow.
So when we give, and when we stand
With open hearts and outstretched hands--
We walk her path, we speak her name,
And through our love, she lives again.
Mary Lou,
You gave your heart and love to me and for that I will keep you treasured in my heart forever. I will miss you and love you forever dear friend.