The Lamp of Delta Zeta, Winter 1986-1987. Johnson’s reunion nametag is pinned on her dress.
When Mary Elizabeth Johnson attended a 1980s reunion of Delta Zetas initiated at the Alpha Nu Chapter at Butler University, she was the attendee with the longest career in education. In 2000, the Muncie, Indiana, Alumnae Chapter recognized Johnson as a 65- year-member. At her death on August 14, 2005 at the age of 89, she was a member of Delta Zeta for 70 years.
Johnson was born in 1916. She earned a B.S. from Butler, a Master’s from Purdue and a Master’s in Library Science from Columbia University. She taught high school before becoming a faculty member at Ball State University’s Burris Laboratory School in 1949. There she served as librarian and taught generations of students.
Author of a 50-year-history of Burris School, Johnson served on the Library Committee of Ball State’s University Senate. She was a member of the American Library Association.
Johnson designed library materials so that high schoolers could do independent research. She took efforts to seek out new library resource methods and materials. She retired in 1982 and that year’s program book for Ball State retirees has this tribute to her:
For the past thirty three years you have played an integral role in the operation of Burris Laboratory School and Ball State University. Your dedication to teacher education and to the education of children marks you as a truly professional teacher. The students you influenced are countless. It would be impossible to list the many ways in which you have served the university during your tenure. You have been an able teacher, Burris historian, and the architect of a strong and viable instructional materials center. You will be greatly missed and we wish you well in retirement.
