Mrs. Mattie Ruth Johnson

Mattie Spencer Johnson was born on August 17, 1939, in Homer, Louisiana. As a child, she moved to Minden, Louisiana, where she attended elementary and high school. During her high school years, Mattie proudly served as a Majorette, a role that reflected her vibrant spirit, poise, and love for school pride. She pursued higher education at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and later continued her studies at Avila University and the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Missouri. Mattie was a devoted member of The New Light Baptist Church in her early years. After relocating to Kansas City, Missouri, she became a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church, where she continued her lifelong commitment to service and ministry. For over forty remarkable years, Mattie devoted her life to teaching first grade, shaping young minds with patience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Generations of students became readers, writers, and mathematicians under her loving classroom leadership. Her educational journey began in the Kansas City, Missouri Public School District and continued in the Hickman Mills School District in South Kansas City. After her tenure in the classroom, her passion for education led her to further community leadership as a member of the Hickman Mills Board of Education. Beyond her own first graders, she mentored countless young teachers, student interns, and colleagues along their professional journeys. During her summers, she faithfully served as Director of Vacation Bible School at her beloved Fellowship Baptist Church. In this role, Mattie was affectionately known for being “bossy,” yet she poured her heart into every song, craft, and Bible verse so that each child might come to know Christ. The countless lives she influenced in every role stand as a lasting testament to her calling as an educator, her servant’s heart, and her deep love for children, teaching, and lifelong learning. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruthie “Tot” Spencer, and her sister, Helene Kilgore. She leaves to cherish her memory: her sister, Barbara Evans (Benzell) of Los Angeles, California; her brother, James Graham of Oakland, California; cousins Terry Graham (JoAnna), Wavie Graham, and Gary Spencer (Debra); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. family members, and dear friends. Funeral services Saturday February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church. Interment: Homer, LA. Visitation: 10 :00a.m.- 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mrs. Mattie Ruth Johnson

August 17, 1939 - February 17, 2026