Johnnie Mae McGowan

Johnnie Mae McGowan was born in 1965 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and later made Kansas City, Missouri, her home. On July 23, 2026, surrounded by love and in the care of Saint Luke’s Hospice House, she peacefully answered God’s call to eternal rest.

Johnnie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend whose love knew no limits. She had a warm, contagious smile, a caring heart, and a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her family will always remember the joy she brought to every gathering, especially Sunday dinners, where laughter, love, and togetherness filled the room.

Known affectionately by many as Janice, she was truly the life of the party. She loved dancing, spending time with her family, and creating lasting memories with those she loved most. Her presence could brighten any room, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Johnnie dedicated many years of her life as a caregiver, serving others with compassion and selflessness. Whether caring for those in need or supporting her own family, she gave of herself wholeheartedly. She wore many hats throughout her life, and she wore each one with grace, strength, and unconditional love.

In 2023, Johnnie publicly professed her faith in Jesus Christ through baptism and became a devoted member of Contagious Life Ministries. Her faith became an important part of her life, providing her with strength, hope, and peace. She found comfort in God’s promises and cherished the fellowship of her church family.

After courageously fighting a long and difficult illness, Johnnie’s earthly journey came to an end, but her love and legacy lived on. She taught her family the importance of resilience, generosity, and loving one another without conditions. The lessons she shared and the love she poured into her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends will continue to guide them for generations to come.

Though our hearts are heavy with her absence, we find comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and she is now resting peacefully in the presence of the Lord. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Johnnie is preceded in death by her father, Johnny McGowan; mother, Johnnie Mae McGowan; grandparent, Johnny-Helen Manning; god-mother, Annie B Oliver; sister, Dorothy Jean McBride; brothers: Charles McGowan, Michael McGowan, Richard McGowan, Larry Murphy, Christian Crockett, Johnny McGowan; nephew, Anthony McBride, cousins: Charles Harris, Sammy Cockshell, Janet Boose; aunt, Willie Mae Boose; and best friends: Rhonda Young and Kimberly Peters.

She is survived by her children, Wahkenna McGowan daughter, Michael (Nicole)McGowan son, Teonna (Lauren) Roland daughter, Grandkids Makiya White granddaughter, Marquan McGowan grandson, Michael McGowan Jr grandson, Great grandchild Journie White, Siblings: Barbara (Jim) Newcomer sister, Dian (Frank) Tabron sister, James (Seneca) McGowan brother, Nikki Mathew sister, Desiree McGowan sister, Kori McGowan sister, Tina McGowan (Mother in law). Mary Manning aunt, Esaline Phifer aunt, Ruby (Emmanuel) Myers aunt, Charles Manning uncle, Ray Manning uncle, Ricky Manning uncle, Faye(Tony) Taylor aunt, Beatrice McKinzey aunt, Ira (Lovely) Manning.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23