Helen McPherson Johnson

Helen McPherson Johnson passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at Cedar Lake Village in Olathe, Kansas. She was born on November 3, 1933, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Helen shared more than 71 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Jewel P. Johnson, who passed away just three months before what would have been their 72nd wedding anniversary.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Alice Finch, and her parents, Harper and Lila McPherson.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet Malcolm (Gene); her sons, Jeffrey Johnson (Paula) and Keith Johnson (Michelle); nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

________________________________________

Her Childhood

Mom was a true Florida girl through and through. Her childhood "swimming pool" was the Trout River, where she often swam alongside alligators, eels, and crabs. When not in the river, she spent time at Jacksonville Beach with her girlfriends and sought out the tallest wooden roller coasters she could find—proof from an early age that she was no wilting flower.

No reflection on her life would be complete without mentioning her absolute adoration for goats. Raising goats and being raised on goat’s milk, which she credited for her strong constitution; she lit up at the sight of them. Goats brought out the biggest smiles and the closest thing to giddiness in her. As her children and grandchildren, we never doubted her deep love for us—but we also knew we could never quite compete with a goat.

Though she didn’t attend college immediately after high school, Mom was an exceptional student. She skipped a grade in elementary school and graduated as Salutatorian of her senior class. Her extracurricular activities included playing the French horn and participating in softball.

________________________________________

Her Story, Her Love

Mom met Dad while shopping for school shoes with her mother, where he was working as a salesman. As their romance blossomed, her mother grew suspicious of his intentions and concerned about his age. At one point, she even asked him to show his driver’s license, convinced he was much older—too old for her daughter. But he was undeterred and wouldn’t be denied. Once he earned her mother’s blessing—and before deploying to Korea—he made sure to seal the deal. They married soon after.

Mom had a diverse career path. She began working at Hormel Foods in Jacksonville while awaiting Dad’s return from Korea. After her children were born, she sold Avon, assisted in teaching children with disabilities in the Olathe School District, served as an administrative assistant for the Southern Baptist Association, and eventually worked in medical records at both Good Samaritan Hospital and Johnson County Mental Health. Later in life, she pursued additional education to support Dad’s business ventures, excelling in every course she took.

________________________________________

A Lifelong Devotion to Faith and Family

Mom was a lifelong student and teacher of the Bible, devoting countless hours to teaching Sunday School and leading Bible studies for children, teens, and adults—even into her 80s. Her deep commitment to scripture was evident in the many notebooks filled with study notes and lesson plans—now housed in a very large box.

Her interests were wide-ranging and deeply felt. She had a lifelong fascination with medical topics, everything from diagnoses and terminology to treatments. The Kentucky Derby was her personal Super Bowl, and it seemed fitting that she waited for one last run for the roses before her passing. She loved reading and word games, and thanks to many afternoons spent completing The New York Times crossword puzzle, she developed a dictionary-level vocabulary.

Mom was also a gifted seamstress. She sewed many of her own clothes, outfits for her children, and lovingly crafted, perhaps more than necessary; costumes for one particularly theatrically inclined child.

An extraordinary cook, she blended traditional Southern recipes with a curiosity for global cuisine. She introduced her family to new foods and cultures through shared meals and joyful restaurant outings. Even well into her 80’s everyone got a complete “birthday meal”, with a cake, of anything that they requested.

Mom instilled in us, her children, the importance of self-presentation and often said, “Always dress to show up.” She lived that lesson daily, composed, graceful, prepared, and always dressed to “show up.”

Helen left a deep and lasting mark on our hearts. Her legacy of faith, strength, and quiet dignity will be cherished by all who knew her.

________________________________________

Graveside Service

A graveside service will be held on May 13, 2025, at 11:00 am at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens at 13901 S Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.