Edna M. Johnson

Edna Mae Johnson (Williams) was born on March 10, 1941, in Creston, Louisiana to Robert and Bethel Williams (Thomas). She was the fourth of nine children and was a student in the Louisiana School District.

Edna attended St. Peters Baptist Church in Campti, Louisiana where she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her faith played a pivotal role in guiding her through her life decisions, including her move to Kansas City, Missouri to seek new opportunities and be closer to her siblings and friends. Miles away from home, Edna endured adversity, doubt, and fear of failure in this big, new city. However, even during the hardest of times, she continued to lean on her “Campti-based” faith principles to triumph in Kansas City.

Edna’s ambition to succeed in a new city was shared with long-time friend Nelson Leon Johnson. The young couple leaned on one another through the ebbs and flows of life, and were married on October 31,1959, in Kansas City, Missouri. Shortly after their union, Edna and Nelson expanded their family with their three children: Cynthia, Veronica, and Wilbert. Unfortunately, Nelson passed away in an accident at an early age. The family’s loss was consoled through the love and support of her family and friends.

Edna’s continued ambition was visible throughout her career, where she worked as a Sorter/Inspector at Guys Corporation for (13 years); an Assembler/Inspector at Peterson Manufacturing for (13 years); and Milbank Manufacturing until retiring after 30 years of service. She was a member of United Steelworkers (Local 12). Upon her retirement, she returned to her hometown Campti, Louisiana to enjoy a simpler life.

Edna loved her family and siblings (her best friends). She was very family-oriented and the bond she shared with her sisters was so vibrant that some called them “The Golden Girls” (influenced by their love for fashion, traveling, shopping, and planning family events together). Their love for their family and their community inspired the creation of our family club called “KCLA-Port,” a non-profit community-based organization.

She was an avid watcher of soap operas (i.e., The Young & the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful) and game shows (i.e., The Price is Right and Let’s Make a Deal).This was her “do not disturb” time. She would always say, “They’re so happy…it makes me happy.” She also enjoyed arts and crafts at the local library, and light walking around the track for exercise.

However, her greatest talents were displayed as a grandmother to grandsons: Zachary McGowan (Veronica), Romelo and Karter Williams (Cynthia), Tyrone Washington (Wilbert), and her beloved dog Chole (now departed).

Edna Mae Johnson was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with her daughters and grandson by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Williams Sr. and Bethel Williams, and other loved ones: Robert Williams Jr., Dossie R. Washington, Doris J. Gantt, Tyrone Washington.

Our hero is survived by her children Cynthina Williams, Veronica Boyd (Ezell Boyd), and Wilbert Johnson; her grandsons: Zachary McGowan (Quiana Hood), Romelo Williams and Karter Williams; her amazing sisters: Lelia Singleton (Ace Singleton), Bertha Eichelberger (LaVon), Josephine Lee (Vondorse); her brothers: Arthur Lee Williams (Shirley) and Melvin Thomas (of Detroit).

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