Janis Ann Johnson

Janis Ann Johnson was born July 3, 1935, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She died unexpectedly but peacefully Friday, June 5, 2020, at John Knox Village, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where she had recently moved.

Janis grew up in the Kansas City area, graduating from Southeast High School in 1953. In 1955, she graduated from Christian College (now Columbia College) in Columbia, Missouri, with an associate in arts degree. She worked in claims administration at Missouri National Insurance Company and retired from Media Professional Insurance after many years working in the file room.

Janis was a lifelong Lutheran and devoted disciple of Jesus. She taught Sunday School for many years, sang in her church choirs and participated in women’s groups. She was proud of her Swedish heritage and shared many stories of her family’s cultural and food traditions, such as limpa bread, lefsa, lingonberries, caraway cheese, fruktsoppa (which she frequently brought to the church’s heritage festival) and potato sausage. Friends say she was always thoughtful and encouraging, especially to children.

Among Janis’s passions were opera, classical music, riverboat travel, history, art, the British royalty, reading and current events. She was a fount of knowledge on many classic topics and was always willing to instruct. She loved a party and good food – especially English tea, dark chocolate, BLTs, Greek cuisine, Asian food and a nice salad – hold the dressing!

Janis was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Hilda Johnson. She is survived by several cousins.

Due to restrictions on gathering, a small, private service will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home on June 12 by invitation only, with burial to follow at Memorial Park in St. Joseph, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66206 or lcrpv.org.