Idella Johnson

Our beloved Idella Johnson passed away on October 13, 2023, at North Care Hospice House in NKC Hospital. Idella was born on July 14, 1935 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Andrew and Equilla Horton. She was the oldest of four children. Her brothers Andrew, William and James preceded her in death. Her family moved to Kansas City when she was a teenager. She attended Summer High School and graduated in the Class of 1954. After graduation, she attended Donnelly College for one year.

While still in high school she began working at KU hospital with friends Ruby and Jackie in the Pediatrics Department. After high school, she was hired at Western Electric (currently known as AT&T). Mom and her friends from Western Electric loved to travel together. They built a sisterhood and went on over eight cruises to various Caribbean and other locations together. But before retiring after 27 years, she worked as a Floater, Chief Union Steward and part of the Pioneer Group. After retirement mom spent her time cleaning houses for the Robinson’s, Mitchell’s, Lang’s and Young’s. Later Idella began working at Dillard’s Department Store in handbags. She was considered one of the top sellers at Dillard’s and received several top-seller awards.

But her favorite thing to do was cook or bake cakes. People loved to call and ask if she had time to bake her lemon or 5-flavored pound cakes. People would request orders for her fabulous cakes throughout the year. But Idella really loved to cook food period. It was like therapy for her. If you ever stopped by to visit, she always had something extra for you to eat. She loved people and never met a stranger.

Mother Johnson was an active member of the Salem Baptist church until her husband’s health declined. Shortly after her husband’s death. Her health began to decline and she began dialysis. Before her health started to decline, she was a member of the Usher Board, Mission Circle, The Rachel Circle. As well as part of the kitchen staff. Especially the Annual Breakfast in Hollywood.

Idella was preceded in death by her husband George Johnson, father Andrew Horton, mother Equilla Odoms, son Michael F. Johnson and grandson Darshaun Jackson.

Idella is survived by son Craig O. Johnson Sr. (Dr. Adriane Blankinship-Johnson) of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter Dr. Lydia F. Johnson of Houston, Texas; granddaughters, Tameca Long-Collins (Troy) of Kansas City Missouri; Tiffany L. Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri; Portia S. Anthony of Dallas, Texas; Christina M. Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri; Shalonna C. Porter of Houston, Texas; Camile Wates of Kansas City, Missouri; grandson, Craig O. Johnson Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Christopher Anthony, Crislyn Anthony, Layla Johnson, Bailey and Hailey Curtis; Nieces, Sherry Weatherspoon, Angela Horton and Michelle Hopkins; Godchildren, Renee and Curtis Walker, Pat and Leon Lang, Paul and Karen Jones, Robert and Crystal Davis, Nancy and Jeff Robinson all of the Kansas City area and a host of special sons, daughters and godchildren.

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