Rev. Yvonne J. Johnson

Rev. Yvonne J. Johnson, lovingly known as Cookie, departed this life on Monday, December 25, 2023, unexpectedly. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 16,1958 and raised by her parents, Rev. Stewart Johnson and Dollie Johnson. Yvonne was the first born and only daughter. The family moved to Wichita, Kansas when she was two. She attended Isley Elementary School and Tabernacle Baptist Church where she confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized. At the age of 14, the family moved to Kansas City, KS and this is where she spent the next 16 years of her life. She attended Sumner High School as a National Honor Student where she played the flute in the band, where her love for music and the arts continued to grow. She also attended Wichita State University after graduating High School. Music became a consistent part of her life to the point that her albums and 45’s collection grew exponentially! She sang in a few choirs and she and a friend were wedding singers of all of the latest duets. She loved singing around the house and with her Salem Baptist Church Choir, under the leadership of Pastor C.B. Bailey, this is where she and the family attended. She also sang with the Christ Ebons Contemporary Singers and Edwin Hawkins Choir, she really loved to sing! In 1988 she moved to The Greater Hartford Area in Connecticut where she was employed with American Airlines. It was God that led her to The First Baptist Church of Hartford (The First Cathedral of Bloomfield (TFC)) under the leadership of the Archbishop Leroy Bailey, III, in which her spiritual maturity increased. During her tenure at TFC, she spent the next 35 years singing with Praises of Zion, The School of Ministry, teaching Sunday School, Prison Ministry, and earning the titles of Evangelist up to Reverend. After her First Cathedral obligations, prior to the pandemic, she was Minister of Music at The Ministry of the Open Door, under the leadership of Pastors Richard and Clara Ruffin where she led praise and worship. You would think music was her main ministry, but Yvonne had many creative outlets, from sewing costumes for numerous church events to making jewelry, baby blankets and quilts for family and friends. She was in a production of Porgy and Bess at the Bushnell, formed a group, “Spring Forth” in which she was the lead singer, and the drama teacher for The Hartford Friendship Kids Summer Camp for the last two years and will truly be missed. Yvonne had a deep and personal relationship with the Lord and her family. Her smile was infectious and would go out of her way to help whomever asked. Yvonne leaves to celebrate her life, Victor T. Johnson, her son who resides in Washington, DC, Parents- Rev. Stewart and Dollie Johnson, Brothers- Stewart Douglas Johnson “Dougie” of K.C. and Leonard E. Johnson (Monica) of St Jacob Illinois. She also leaves Nieces Randi R. Johnson, Stephanie D. Johnson and Lanita R. Johnson, one Nephew, Leonard E. Johnson II (LJ). There are 8 other great Nieces and Nephews as well. There are also some close family and friends which are Julian Riding (Erma) of Kansas City, KS, Robin Riding (Alice) of Kansas City, KS, Mark Riding (Terri) of Baltimore, MD and not to mention her dog Rocky Balboa Johnson. “Absent from the body, present with the Lord...” Funeral services will be Saturday, January 13, at 11:00am at Salem Baptist Church. Interment Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens. Visitation will from 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Rev. Yvonne J. Johnson

September 16, 1958 - December 25, 2023