Mrs. Myrtle Lee Johnson

Myrtle Lee Johnson was born on June 27, 1937, in Campti, Louisiana, to Jimmie Garrett and Odessa Garrett. After the early passing of her mother in 1939, she was lovingly raised by her father and stepmother in Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Elmo and Moise Garrett, her beloved son, Osmund Q. Johnson and mother-in-law, Carrie M. Hunter. She graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1956, where her warmth, determination, and leadership blossomed. In 1957, she met and married the love of her life, Harrel Lee Johnson. The couple later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where they built a home and a legacy rooted in love, faith, and service. Myrtle was a tireless advocate for children and families. She founded Johnson’s Daycare Center initially in her home at 2940 Wabash and later at 2905 Wabash, which she operated faithfully for 51 years. Through her nurturing care, she guided and uplifted generations of children in the community. In 1976, Myrtle and her husband Harrel co-founded the Key Coalition/Kansas City Keys, a youth basketball program dedicated to mentorship and development. This initiative became a beloved community institution, earning the couple numerous honors for their impact on young lives. Myrtle was also proudly crowned the first Miss Juneteenth of Kansas City in 1980, a recognition of her grace, strength, and deep dedication to heritage and community excellence. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Harrel L. Johnson; and their children, Survunah “Pumpkin” Johnson; Aljurita “Rena” Spears; and Harrel Johnson (Dianna); her loving sister, Clara Spivey; Her legacy continues through her five grandchildren, Lakeisha Johnson; DeAndre Pierre Johnson (Genee); Harrel Spears (Tosha); Dominique Johnson; and LaToya Johnson; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Daisy Garrett; a of host nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and former students whose lives she deeply touched. Myrtle will be remembered for her generous heart, comforting spirit, powerful presence, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She along with her husband spent a lifetime of caring for children in our community and received numerous accolades and awards. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 1700 East Linwood Blvd. KCMO 64109. Interment: Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation: 10 -11:00 a.m. at the Church. entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com e.

Mrs. Myrtle Lee Johnson

June 27, 1937 - July 2, 2025