Dorson Johnson

Dorson was born to Jim and Ida Johnson on February 4, 1945 in Marianna, Arkansas as the youngest of eleven children.  DJ transitioned after a long illness on April 15, 2022.

DJ attended public schools in Marianna, Arkansas and moved to Kansas City with his older sisters in 1960.  He was an avid Drag Car Racer back in the day.  His passion was working on and rebuilding cars.   His cars were always kept sparkling clean and always mechanically sound.

DJ was employed with Betty Rose Coat and Suits and Wilson Meat Packing before moving to Los Angeles, California where he worked in the grocery warehousing industry for over 20 years.  He returned to Kansas City, MO in 1993 in order to be near his family.

DJ professed his love for Christ at an early age and was baptized.  He was a member of Bannister Road Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri where Rev. Dwight Scott is pastor.

Preceding DJ in death are both parents, his siblings: Otis, Rachel, Berniece, Jim, Jr., Leola, Jewel, Pauline, Beulah, and several nieces and nephews.

DJ leaves to mourn his passing, his dedicated caregiver and partner of 33 years, Anita Vasquez and her family – her son Michael Sullivan ( Monica) of Utah; daughter, Gina Renee Parra (Steve) of New York;  Anita’s brother, Roger McIntire of Springfield, IL; and Anita’s  five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

DJ also leaves to mourn-two sisters:  Mary Lee Adams of Marianna, AR and Verline Reid of Grandview, MO.  Three sons:  Kelly D. Johnson (Mary) of Houston, TX, David J. Johnson (Michele Brown) of Washington, D.C., and Dorson Ryan Johnson (Meggan) of Humble, TX.