Mayme Hatcher Johnson

Mayme Hatcher Johnson is the wife of the Kingpin of Harlem, Bumpy Johnson. Johnson was a notorious crime lord who gained notoriety for his criminal activities, including pimping, thievery, and burglary.

Unlike most crime bosses, Johnson was married to a single wife throughout his long life. As the spouse of a gangster, Mayme sure lived the life of a queen. 

Mayme Hatcher Johnson's Married Life

Mayme Hatcher Johnson was married to a New York gangster in Harlem Bumpy Johnson. Yes, Mayme is a gangster's wife and has remained faithful to her vows.

Bumpy and Mayme tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in October 1948. As her beau had a notorious background, the marriage was kept a secret alongside its venue and audience.

The marriage life of Mayme and the Harlem Kingpin went through ups and downs. Many movies relating to her beau show Bumpy as an unfaithful husband with extramarital affairs.

However, Mayme had denied all of this and said their marriage involved no affairs. Despite separating for some time, the married pair remained husband and wife until the death separated them.

How Did Mayme Hatcher Johnson Meet Bumpy Johnson?

Bumpy Johnson and Mayme Hatcher Johnson first crossed paths at a club owned by singer-cum-actress Ethel Waters in April 1948. At the time, she used to work as a waitress at that club.

After dating for six months, it was the Harlem Kingpin who popped the question. While driving past 116th and St. Nicholas Avenue, Bumpy said;

"Mayme, I think you and I should go ahead and get married."

Where Are Mayme Hatcher Jonson's Daughters?

Mayme Hatcher Johnson and her husband welcomed a daughter named Ruthie Johnson. Bumpy Johnson also had a daughter Elise Johnson from his previous relationship.

Despite not being her own daughter, Mayme Hatcher cared for and raised Elise with Ruthie. Most people may wonder where is the daughter of the Kingpin of Harlem now.

Unfortunately, Mayme's daughters are not in this world anymore. Ruthie died in 2006 due to unknown causes. Elise, who was a drug addict, is said to have died of a heart attack caused by a narcotic overuse in the same year.

Bumpy's criminal history was hard for his daughter. Growing up in such an environment, his daughter turned out to be a substance abuser and shoplifter. Elise also has a daughter named Margaret who was raised by her parents due to her addiction.

Mayme Hatcher Johnson's Net Worth

Mayme Hatcher Johnson's net worth is estimated to be around $100,000 at the time of her death. But she had a really fancy life as Bumpy Johnson's wife. As the wife of Kingpin of Harlem who had a net worth of $50 Million, Mayme lived as a queen.

Johnson got lots of nice presents, like jewelry and expensive stuff from her husband. However, the sources of the money are controversial as Bumpy has been involved in drug trafficking, specifically the sale of heroin, which made him rich but with illegal money.

Mayme's husband also had a good real estate portfolio. From apartments to office spaces, slums to high-end hotels, Bumpy had investments. When trying to talk about the criminal activities that financed all this luxury, Mayme would just say, "We had a good life".

Mayme Hatcher Johnson Wrote A Book

Mayme Hatcher Johnson was together in marital bliss with Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson until death took them apart. In this period, she got to see a real person in him and not just the notorious crime lord.

Johnson wanted to show this side of the kingpin of Harlem to the world. So, Mayme Hatcher released the book Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson before she died, i,e on May 13, 2008. It is currently being sold at $15 for paperback on Amazon.

Mayme was so proud when she finally completed the book. Henry Perkins who was a good friend of Johnson said; 

"Yeah, she was tickled pink to tell people she was an author at age 93,"

Mayme Hatcher Johnson Early Life Details

Mayme Hatcher Johnson was born in 1915 in New York, United States. Bumpy Johson's wife is 10 years younger than him. As the wife of a notorious kingpin, Mayme kept her personal information private.

Johnson's parents' identity and her academic details were not revealed for security purposes. Regardless, it is known that she has  a sister named Lily Andrews and a brother named Melvin Hatcher.

Mayme Hatcher Johnson Charity Works

While Bumpy lived in the elicit light, his wife, Mayme, dived into charitable and volunteering work. Mayme Hatcher Johnson did this through St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Harlem.

Mayme was a long-time member of the church. She was recognized for her contributions to the community. It became a significant part of Johnson's life and people respected her dedication for it.

Mayme Hatcher Johnson's Death 

Bumpy Johnson's wife followed him to the afterlife after 41 years. Mayme Hatcher Johnson passed away on May 1, 2009, in Philadelphia at the age of 94.

The cause of her death was reported to be respiratory failure. Two days before her passing, a film production company was negotiating to purchase a book option for Harlem Godfather. 

Mayme Hatcher Johnson Refutes Frank Lucas Portrayal

The movie, American Gangster tells the story of American mob bosses including Bumpy Johnson. In the movie, the American drug lord Frank Lucas is shown as the trusted ally of the Kingpin of Harlem.

However, Mayme Hatcher Johnson was riled up for it. She said Frank was nothing but a flunky in her husband's crime syndicate. Additionally, she also said Bumpy did not even trust him.

Bumpy Johnson's Grandaughter Earned A Nickname 

Margaret Johnson, Bumpy Johnson's granddaughter, earned a nickname on her own. Margaret got attention after she shot a mugger who tried to rob her in her wheelchair.

This incident earned her the nickname "The Annie Oakley of Harlem." As the granddaughter of the kingpin of Harlem, she lived a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. 

Sadly, Margaret is no longer together. Mayme Hatcher Johnson's granddaughter died on December 12, 2016, at the age of 66. She had a son named Anthony Johnson.

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