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BIOGRAPHY:  Mamie Beale Johnson

Mamie Beale Johnson is a native of Buffalo. She attended Buffalo P.S. #32 and Hutchinson Central High School. Mrs. Johnson, a graduate of Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1947. Upon returning to Buffalo, Mrs. Johnson, when applying for a job in her field, was considered an "oddity" - a female, a black and a mathematician. After many unsuccessful interviews at agencies, she was eventually hired at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory in 1948. She served, with distinction, in this position for twenty-two years. She was one of several scientists who were featured in Ebony Magazine in 1950.

In 1970, Mrs. Johnson embarked on a new career. She began working at the State University of New York at Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center. She held several positions during her tenure with EOC. She was the Registrar (1970-1974), Research Assistant (1974-1976), and Community Relations and Recruitment Coordinator from 1977 until 1990 when she retired.

Mrs. Johnson has been involved in community service for over fifty years. She was a charter member of the Buffalo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and also of the Harriet Tubman 300s. In addition, she has been a role model for young people; encouraging many youngsters to enroll in college and volunteering her services as a math tutor for students.

Mrs. Johnson has been a board member of several organizations: Everywoman Opportunity Center, Niagara Frontier Vocational Rehabilitation Center, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Ujima Theater Company, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Women's Committee, and WGRZ -TV2 Minority Advisory Council. She is a member of the Buffalo Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the Harriet Tubman 300s, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Some awards and recognitions that she has received include the UNCF Frederick D. Patterson Distinguished Leadership Award (1990) and Meritorious Service Award (1995), recognition of volunteerism from the Community Action Organization (CAO) Education Task Force (1984-1994), and recognition for volunteerism from the UNCF (1995-1996 campaign).

Active in church life, she was the former organist for Lloyd's Memorial United Church of Christ for twenty years. Currently, she is a member of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church where she participates in Senior Choir and the Emma J. Horner Chorale. She also has served as a church pianist and editor of the church newsletter.

Mrs. Johnson was married to the late Horace "Billy" Johnson. She has three daughters: June Johnson Stanford of Buffalo, Patricia Johnson Isaac of Poughkeepsie, New York, and Holly Johnson Fisher of Atlanta, Georgia. She also has six granddaughters.