Mayme Hatcher Johnson, an esteemed American writer, gained recognition for her role as the wife of the infamous American gangster, the late Bumpy Johnson. Following her husband’s passing, she held a prominent position as a leader in the vibrant Harlem community of New York City, where she ruled with grace and determination.

Hailing from the bustling city of New York, the late Hatcher graced the world with her presence in 1925. Standing at a height of 5 feet and 4 inches (or 163 centimeters or 1.63 meters), she commanded attention with her poise and grace. Her weight was 56 kilograms (or 124 pounds).

Married To The Gangster

Bumpy Johnson and Mayme Hatcher Johnson decided to unite in matrimony in October 1948. Surprisingly, this event occurred a mere six months after their initial encounter, showing how deep and immediate a connection they shared from the beginning.

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Mayme Hatcher Johnson Husband, Bumpy Johnson (Source: Urban Legends Mag TV YouTube Channel)

Bumpy and Hatcher marriage marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, filled with love, adventure, and numerous challenges along the way. The two didn’t reveal much about their married life.

Net Worth At The Time Of Her Death

Mayme Hatcher Johnson at the time of her passing had an estimated net worth of $100,000. For much of her life, she devoted herself to the responsibilities of homemaking. Nevertheless, she had also written a book, Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, and made a lot of money through its sales. Her employment history is less clear, but she may have worked outside the home at some point.

Hatcher’s husband, the late Bumpy Johnson amassed a vast fortune, estimated to be around $100 million. However, the source of his wealth was a matter of controversy, as it was widely known that he had accumulated his riches through illegal means. He also ventured into drug trafficking, specifically the sale of heroin, which made him rich but with illegal money.

Died Due To Respiratory Failure

Mayme Hatcher Johnson passed away on May 1, 2009, in Philadelphia. The cause of her death was respiratory failure, marking the end of a life defined by her contributions to her community and her dedication to her family.

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Mayme Hatcher Johnson at The Official Harlem Launch Party (Source: AALBC.com)

Hatcher passed away at the age of 94. As per The Philadelphia Inquirer, she was at Kearsley at the time, a retirement home located in West Philadelphia. Her passing was a loss felt deeply by those who knew her, and she will always be remembered for her works.

Mother Of Two (Death Of StepDaughter)

Hatcher’s family life was a complex one, as he had two daughters – Ruthie and Elease Johnson. While Ruthie was his biological daughter, Elease was the product of another relationship. Despite the circumstances of Elease’s birth, she accepted her as his own and treated her well.

Unfortunately, Elease is no longer with us. Her death remains a mystery, with no official cause of it disclosed. However, rumors persist that she may have suffered a heart attack, possibly brought on by a drug overdose. Her passing left a deep void in the lives of her loved ones. Though the exact date of Hatcher’s daughter’s death remains to be known, it is believed that she passed away at the age of 66.

Hatcher’s Husband Had Died Before Her

Hatcher had to sadly witness her husband, Johnson die. He died on July 7, 1968, due to a heart attack (the disease that took the life of Walda Walters Anderson’s father) and it happened while he was eating his food. New York Post has reported that while enjoying a breakfast of fried chicken and eggs at Wells Restaurant in Harlem, the high cholesterol from his meal brought an end to his life. He was 62 years old at the time.

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Frank Lucas, a friend of Bumpy Johnson talking about him (Source: dJvlad YouTube Channel)

The article has also mentioned that at the time of his death, Johnson was out on a $50,000 bail related to a narcotics charge. The fact that he managed to survive for so long, despite the constant threat from his enemies, is a testament to his sharp mind and resilience.

Hatcher’s Lovelife With The Gangster

Mayme Hatcher Johnson had an incredible life while she was with Bumpy Johnson. She was treated like she belonged to a royal family. Soon after she met him, she became known as “Bumpy’s girl.” It was a title that came with many perks as she could gain entry into any establishment and receive lavish gifts and jewelry all the time.

However, it also meant that Hatcher had to deal with the constant advances of other women who wanted Johnson and saw her as an obstacle. The article also mentioned that she was bothered by their advances at the beginning, but eventually, she understood it was a part of her life now.

A Bit On Hatcher’s Husband, Johnson

Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson was an American gangster and crime boss who was born on October 31, 1905, in Charleston, South Carolina. He grew up in Harlem, New York City, and by the age of 15, he had become involved in the criminal underworld. Johnson quickly rose through the ranks, and by the 1930s, he had become a major figure in the Harlem numbers racket, which involved illegal gambling.

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An undated picture of Bumpy Johnson (Source: History with no Chaser YouTube Channel)

In the 1940s, Johnson became associated with the infamous Italian-American mob boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano, and he expanded his criminal operations to include drug trafficking, extortion, and other illegal activities. Despite being imprisoned several times throughout his life, he was able to maintain his power and influence in the criminal underworld.

Johnson’s reputation as a criminal mastermind was cemented in popular culture after his portrayal by actor Laurence Fishburne in the 1997 film “Hoodlum.” In real life, he was known for his intelligence, charisma, and surprisingly good business sense. He was also respected by many in his community for his charitable work and for standing up against racial discrimination.

Life Before Meeting The Late Gangster

Mayme Hatcher Johnson hasn’t disclosed much about her personal life and very limited information on her is available to the public. In 1938, she left her hometown in North Carolina and settled in New York City to start a new life. She began working as a waitress in a club owned by the renowned singer and actress, Ethel Waters.

However, Hatcher’s normal life took a dramatic turn when she met Bumpy Johnson, a notorious crime boss who ruled the Harlem neighborhood of New York City a few years later in the same year Shemane Deziel’s husband, Ted Nuget was born, i.e., 1948. Despite the controversies surrounding her association with the gangster, she remained a fascinating figure in the history of Harlem and the American underworld.

Had A Problem With The Film, American Gangster

Hatcher objected to the distorted portrayal of her late husband and his relationship with Frank Lucas in the 2007 film, American Gangster. Starring Denzel Washington as Lucas, the movie depicts Lucas as Bumpy’s trusted right-hand man, who was with him in his final moments before he died of a heart attack.

Hatcher didn’t like the depiction, stating that Lucas was nothing more than a subordinate whom her husband, Johnson never really trusted. While he was allowed to drive her husband around, he was never included in any important meetings.

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