Mary Mira Obituary

Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing
with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Mary Willene Mira-affectionally referred to as "Wuver"-left this world for a glorious eternity
with Jesus on Monday, January 13, 2025 following a courageous battle against cancer. She
passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.
Born in Corbin, Kentucky on April 11, 1946, Willi is the daughter of Sam and Mildred Johnston
(both deceased). As a member of the Air Force, Sam was often relocated. Eventually, Sam
moved Mildred, Willi, and her brothers-Mike (deceased); Curt; and Wayne (deceased)- to
Key West, where Willi spent her senior year and graduated from Key West High School.
Afterward, Willi began her adult life in Miami, FL.
Willi began working at Miami Dade College in 1984 in student financial services with accounts
receivable and eventually with the comptroller's office. She created great friendships at MDC
that she would keep the rest of her life. She worked at MDC until her retirement on March 31,
2013. This gave her more time to invest in her parents, who were in poor health at the time. She
served them well, traveling back and forth to Virginia, until they both had passed into glory.
Her retirement also gave her more time with her pride-her 4 grandchildren (Steven, Anthony,
Hannah, and Sarah). She always scheduled her days around baseball, softball, and volleyball
games, award ceremonies, practices, errands, or any other thing that gave her the chance to
love them through service. However, she experienced a special climax toward the end when
she was blessed to hold Steven and Kristy's son, Oliver James, her only great-grandchild.
Willi loved her church, First Baptist Church of Cutler Ridge, and its people. She never missed an
opportunity to be there if the doors were opened! She also served in a variety of ways, like
volunteering for Vacation Bible School, taking care of the worship center, as a Sunday School
Director, or just bringing the pastor his favorite chocolate malt balls on a random Tuesday!
Beyond doing ministry in her church, she also did ministry in the community by providing gift
cards and other resources to high schools with less fortunate students.
She was also an active student and leader for Bible Study Fellowship (a weekly in-depth Bible
study for women). There, she studied books of the Bible, important biblical characters (like
Moses), and led groups through curriculum, too. She was often excited to discuss with others
what she was learning and teaching, and she always cared and prayed for the wellbeing of her
BSF friends.
Unfortunately, in 2024 Willi was diagnosed with a rare cancer that was aggressive and
incurable. She fought well, but eventually the cancer won. But for those of us who have faith, we
know that the cancer did not ultimately win-the battle was already won in Christ, and God will
one day raise Willi's perishable body as imperishable and the mortal will put on
immortality (1 Corinthians 15:54).
Willi is survived by her 3 children: Lori (Charlie), Lisa (Carl), and Joe (Daimy); her 4
grandchildren: Steven (Kristy), Anthony, Hannah, and Sarah; a great-grandson (Oliver James);
and countless other family members and friends.
A visitation and worship service in honor of Willi will take place at the First Baptist Church of
Cutler Ridge (fbccr.com) on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The visitation will be 10am-11am, the
service will be 11am-12pm, and a reception will follow at 12pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cutler Ridge in Willi's
name at fbccr.com/giving or 10301 Caribbean Blvd., Cutler Bay, FL. 33189.