Jeanie Johnson

Jeanie Johnson, 89, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, May 22, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 S. Topeka. Jeanie was preceded in death by her husband, James Johnson; parents, Jonathan and Effie Spears; and brother, Glenn Spears. She is survived by sons, Jerry Johnson (Tina) and Steve Johnson; sister-in-law, Gilda Rhodes; grandchildren, Tony Johnson, Alex Johnson, Kristen Williams, Megan Williams, and Chelsie Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jamey and Jeanie were married in 1955 in Oklahoma City. They both attended Draughon’s Business School. Jeanie worked at the State Capitol and then Kerr-McGee Corporation. After their transfer to Wichita, she began working at The Wichita Eagle and when she retired, she was Executive Secretary to the President and Publisher of The Wichita Eagle. She maintained a deep friendship with her last boss and with many of her coworkers.

Although there were changes to health, etc., one thing that never changed was our relationship. We shared everything. She became my sister that day in 1958 and the only sister I have ever had. She was my confidante and I was hers. We always shared in the greatest joys in our lives and in the greatest sorrows as well. I am heartbroken to not have her here but I rejoice knowing that she is with Jamey (Jim) and so many loved ones that have preceded her. Comforting one another was something that we mastered over the years. I adored her. Her boys were her whole life and she loved to talk about how she enjoyed every minute with them. Jerry came often from Oklahoma and Tina sent many things for her to enjoy and Steve was with her almost every day. He made sure she ate, took care of her medicines and made sure she had everything she needed. One of her biggest joys was when the boys were together laughing and telling stories about their childhood and things their dad would say. That made her happy and she loved to tell me about it. Her grandchildren were special to her. She was very proud of them all. She always enjoyed hearing about her nieces and nephews and their ups and downs because even though she didn’t see them often, she did when they were little and that caring doesn’t change, even when they grow up.

A special “Thank You” should be extended to Jeanie’s neighbors and friends in the neighborhood who were so thoughtful and caring toward her especially during the last few years when both Jamey and Jeanie’s health began to fail. They all knew her when she was well – she was very social and charming and would do anything for anyone. She had a charm about her and people gravitated toward her. She loved decorating her home, cooking for her family, taking care of her children and grandchildren.

Lastly, but most importantly, Jeanie was a strong Christian and actively involved in her church and expressed her faith easily whether through BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) or as a gifted Sunday School teacher. She worried about not being in church in recent times. I would reassure her that God knew her heart and He would not want her to worry. She has been an inspiration to our entire family and role model as to how to live a Christian life.

Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Arrangements by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.