From Death To Life

08/01/2025

Our beloved sister and founding member of FDTL's Two Mothers' Healing Group, Ann Smith, went home to God on July 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Family and friends will be gathering tomorrow at 11AM to celebrate her life. Please join us if you wish at Joint Heirs with Christ Church in North Minneapolis. Alongside Mary Johnson-Roy and other mothers who have known the pain of losing a child to homicide, Ann found healing and brought hope to others. Professionally, Ann dedicated herself to caring for elderly people at a senior care facility in the Twin Cities, a role she faithfully served until May 2025, when her own health no longer allowed her to continue.

In early July, Ann entered hospice care at the St. Jane House, where she was surrounded by loved ones who cared for her alongside the hospice team. She peacefully went home to God the morning of July 22, with her son Michael and other loved ones at her side. She was preceded in death by her beloved sons Maurice and Mario, and is survived by her sons Marcus, Marlon, and Michael, and four grandchildren.

Your prayers and support during this difficult time would mean a great deal to Ann’s family. Thank you for considering how you can help.

Ann Smith’s Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11AM
Joint Heirs with Christ Church
500 N Newton Ave
Minneapolis, MN
Guests are encouraged to wear pink, if you wish.

My name is Brian Mogren, and I’m reaching out on behalf of the family of Regina Ann Smith… Brian Mogren needs your support for Ann Smith's Celebration of Life

03/28/2025

One year ago this night, our beloved sister Mary Johnson-Roy transitioned into the heavenly realm. She left a big hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and a legacy of love that will echo into eternity. We love and miss you, Mary! 🩵
Here's a link to the tribute booklet created to honor her extraordinary life. Read it and be inspired. https://tinyurl.com/maryjohnsonroytribute

08/09/2024

Steve Hartman is going to be revisiting Mary and Oshea's story tonight on the CBS Evening News in "On the Road with Steve Hartman". ❤️ UPDATE: here’s a link to the story as it appears on the On the Road FB page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/brFCxA8Eo6Uqykxe/?mibextid=WC7FNe

04/18/2024

04/17/2024

Thank you to Dawn Mikkelson, Miranda Wilson, and their entire crew for telling Mary's story with such elegance and grace. It will continue to be an important part of her legacy. We are ever grateful.

04/14/2024

Here's another story about our sister Mary Johnson-Roy that aired yesterday and this morning on KSTP News. Her Celebration of Life over the last two days was extraordinarily beautiful and fit for the queen that she was. Mary was honored, her loved ones found comfort and healing, and God was glorified. May we all continue to carry on her extraordinary legacy of love and forgiveness.❤️

Johnson-Roy, who is most remembered for forgiving the man convicted of killing her son and developing a thriving relationship with him, recently passed away two years after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

04/14/2024

Reg Chapmann interviewed Oshea and Mary's granddaughter Rose for this story that aired on Friday on CBS News Minnesota (WCCO TV).

Mary Johnson-Roy, a pillar of the Minneapolis community, died on March 27 at the age of 71.

04/07/2024

A beautiful tribute to our sister Mary Johnson-Roy in today's Star Tribune! If you are unable to access, I pasted it in the comments below.

Finding life after the death of her son, Laramiun Lamont Byrd, Mary Johnson-Roy, who died March 27 at age 71, went on to champion mercy and peace