Ms. Glendora Johnson

In loving memory of Glendora Williams Johnson, born June 8, 1929, in Canton, Mississippi, to the late Peter Williams Sr. and Viola Williams. She was 95 years old when she departed this earthly life on January 23, 2025, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Glendora was the sixth of eight children and was preceded in death by her parents; her only son, Roosevelt (Jim) Wilson; one granddaughter, Micole Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Anaya Newton, Jalen Thornton, and Rahiem Pulce, Kelsea Pulce, her nephew, Arthola Clark, Jr.; and all of her siblings: Annie Lee Clayton, Moses Williams, Clyde Williams, Jesse Williams, Peter Williams Jr., C.D. Williams, and Venita Clark. Her Faith and Church Life Glendora accepted Christ at the age of 15 and was baptized at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Pickens, Mississippi. She lived a life devoted to Christ, leaving a rich legacy of faith and love among her family and friends. She attended St. Matthew School through grade school. Affectionately known as Granny, Glendora was a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri, under the leadership of Pastor James A. Terrance Jr., for 22 years, remaining faithful until her health declined. Before joining Friendship, she was a member of Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church for 52 years, where she actively served in the Music Ministry and Sunday School Ministry under the late Dr. McKinley L. Dukes. Growing up in the South, she especially enjoyed attending revivals in the back of a wagon. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. Her Family and Career In 1946, Glendora married Roosevelt Wilson, and to this union, three children were born. She later met and married Israel Johnson Jr., and together they had two children. Glendora was a hardworking woman who dedicated 12 years to Pioneer Bag Company in North Kansas City, Missouri, making burlap bags. She later became a meat wrapper and went on to make history as the first Black female meat cutter for Safeway Stores, a grocery chain in Kansas City. She worked there for 23 years before retiring. Her Love for Cooking and Family Glendora’s greatest joys in life were cooking, baking, and spending time with her family. As a child, she learned to cook by standing on a stool beside her mother in the kitchen. She loved preparing large Sunday dinners, always making sure her family was well fed. Her favorite meal included turkey and dressing, yams, green beans, collard greens, cornbread, sweet potato pie, and peach cobbler. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food. Her Passion for Bowling For over 50 years, Glendora was an avid bowler with an unwavering passion for the sport. She was a dedicated competitor, teammate, and friend to many in the bowling community. Throughout the years, she participated in multiple leagues, including the NTEU League at Loma Vista, Tuesday Senior Rollers, Monday Madness League, Spare Parts League, Postal Pacesetters League, Outlaw League, Wednesday Morning Glories, and Monday Have a Ball at Loma Vista. Beyond local leagues, she traveled across the country with the Helen Saxton Bowling Group, competing in prestigious tournaments in New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C., California, Florida, Tulsa, Texas, and more. One of her proudest achievements was competing in the USBC Women’s Championships every summer with her beloved team, The Power Five, in Reno and Las Vegas. She won numerous awards and trophies, celebrating her exceptional skill and dedication. In 2015, she was honored as Senior Bowler of the Year and was inducted into the USBC Greater Kansas City Hall of Fame, a testament to her incredible contributions to the sport. For Glendora, bowling was more than a pastime, it was a way of life. She often said, "Life is just like bowling... sometimes you're up, and sometimes you're down." Her Love for the Kansas City Chiefs Glendora was also a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan! She even created her own "Chiefs Kingdom" room in her house, filled with everything Chiefs-related. Her Legacy Glendora leaves behind a loving and devoted family, including her four daughters: Earnestine Lyle, Marva Louise Wilson, Linda Marie (Pastor Samuel) Martin, and Deborah Lynn Hogan. She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Jackson Lyle Jr., Andre’ (Dee) Wheeler, Kelly (Rocky) Balfour, Damon Newton, Christie Bernard, Nakia (Carlton) Glynn, Y’Cum McCain, Shonta Pulce-Davis, Marquita (Terrence) Taliferro, Kaplin Pulce, Gheia Turk, Ryan Thomas, Lakeisha Jones, Michael Wilson, Kenya (Marcus) Givens, Tia Hogan, Calvin Bates, Brandon Burgette and Whitnee (Brian) Lee. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren: Damon, Marekica, Jarrel, Asia, Deron, Danekica, Jerrick, Lexis, Galen, Tyler, Carlton Jr., Tatiana, Sydney, Darrion, Aliyah, Lesa, Maya, Shannon, Jason, Jamal, Shania, Dallas, Darius, Marlin, Peyton, Treshawn (Tre), Devin, Ashlynn, Kierra, Drew, Kielyn, Jeremiah, Aaron, Chase, Elijah, Makhi (MJ), Kedian, and Chance. She also shared a deep and cherished friendship with Oscar Shelby, whose presence brought joy, laughter, companionship, and unwavering support throughout the years. Among the many she cherished, she held a special place in her heart for her beloved niece and nephew, LaTonya (Sterling) Burgette and Calvin (Paula) Clark, adopted son, Pastor John Modest (Jeanette) Miles who were more like her own children. Glendora’s kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She touched lives through her faith, family, cooking, and love for bowling. While she may no longer be physically present, her spirit will forever guide and inspire us. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..." - Psalm 23 Funeral services Saturday, February 1, at 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation Saturday from 9:00am-11:00am at the church. Arrangements entrusted Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Glendora Johnson

June 8, 1929 - January 23, 2025