Sophia Marie Easter

Sophia Marie Easter was born in Leavenworth, Kansas to the union of Porter and Cleo Azalea (Garner) Johnson on January 5, 1929. She lived for several years on Billie Goat Hill, until she married Samuel Easter and moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she raised her children. Sophia resided in Kansas City, Missouri until she fell asleep in death on November 10, 2025, at the graceful age of 96.

Sophia held many positions during her lifetime including a nurse’s assistant, insurance clerk, child daycare worker, and she worked as a Silk Presser and Tailor for over 25 years. Her most cherished position in life was when she found a new love, the Truth in God’s word the Bible introduced to her by Lucille Coleman. Sophia dedicated her life to being a fellow worker of Jehovah; Sophia was baptized in 1964. She remained one of Jehovah's witnesses faithfully for over 60 years until she fell asleep in death. She enjoyed all aspects of her service to Jehovah God. When she shared her bible knowledge, it was always with zeal mixed with a warm smile. In her conversations in the ministry or with other fellow friends if there was a topic Sophia has a scripture loaded and ready to share, and her bible was her main source and would use it without hesitation. Wherever she went the bible went too from a big to tiny size she had her spiritual armor on ready to defend. What a dedicated servant, she was a fine example like those of old, Sarah Daniel and David to name a few.

Sophia was a hardworking devoted mother of nine children and second mother to many others. Sophia was well known for her witty charm, funny stories, and her bluntness with a little sweetness blended in. She was honest in her speech and funny sometimes in her delivery. She loved to sew, cook, and entertain family and friends. She loved to write, put puzzles together and play card games. Her favorite card game was Rummy, but you'd better watch out, she took no prisoners (just ask Elwyn). Sophia was good at basketball, ask the family about her lay-up shots. She would tell you she had Michael Jordan beat. She loved flowers and gardening; however, she would be gone like a flash of lighting at the slightest sight of a worm. One could say she was a jack of all trades, a very industrious worker. She loved and enjoyed singing and was incredibly good at it. She even named one of her daughters after 2 singers. She loved music, Kingdom songs, jazz, and saxophone was her favorite instrument. Who knows she may sing or play the saxophone for you in the new world to come.

Sophia had deep love for her family and friends. As a devoted mother she was determined to instill in her children the values of being respectful and loyal servants of Jehovah. Sophia made sure all her family upheld the value of Jehovah's principles set in the bible, to learn and live by them. If you deviated a little, she would have scriptural counsel and that special look waiting for you. At times she was a little stern but determined to keep those values she learned and displayed first and foremost in her life and of those she loved. So, if she was hard on you, that meant you felt the love she had for you.

Sophia was a fine example of what love looked like because she loved Jehovah God and followed his son Jesus’ example. Her favorite scripture was Matt 6: 33, “Seek First the Kingdom and His righteous, and all these other things will be added to you.” If you knew her, then you could see all the other things mentioned in the scripture was added to her life, by living 96 years and leaving a legacy behind with her children and their children, what a blessing Jehovah provided. Sophia wanted everyone to know that she had complete trust and confidence in Jehovah. Sophia was convinced without a doubt in the resurrection hope that she would soon be awakened from death and wants all her family and friends to remember these last words: ‘He will call and I will answer!’ (John 5:28). She anxiously awaited the promise of Revelation 21:3-6, (“Death and sickness will be no more”) for everyone soon.

Sophia was proceeded in death by her husband Samuel Easter, one son Kelvin Easter, son-in-law James Fortune, her parents Cleo, and Porter Johnson. All nine of her siblings: William Johnson, Mary Johnson, Margaret Campbell, Maxine Thomas, Porter Johnson Jr, Arthaniel Johnson, Nancy Robinson, Betty Wilson, and Harriet Staten

Sophia was blessed with eight other children:
Gwendolyn Williams, Annette Harris (Paul), Sam Easter (Pauletta), Gloria Jordan (Fernando), Denise Fortune, Elwyn Easter (Sophia), Darla Cook (John) and Adrian Kirkwood (KC).

24 Grandchildren:
Chistine Williams (Holding the special prized position of 1st born grandchild). Precious ones that follow are April Williams, Marcus Harris, Michael Harris, Caleb Harris, Matthew Harris, Kinya Christian, Kameha Howard, Kiesha Elix, Cicelynn Elix, Jared Elix, Roslynn Ford, Sonya Williams, and Tyrone Jordan, Jessica Easter-Fortune, Shonda Millsap, Tahray Fortune, Brandon Easter, Silas Cook, Dominic Romero, Stephanie Romero, Jada McCoy, Cortez McGee, and Darrien Kirkwood

24 Great-Grandchildren:
Christopher Williams, Brittany Sherman, Aubrey Harris, Jayden Harris, Gianna Harris, Maxwell Harris, Cydney Ellenbarger, Kylia Easter, Trevor Howard, Ciara Elix, Eason Chappell, Tantana Fortune, Trinity Millsap, Penelope Fortune, Ariana Easter, Saya Willems, Cairo Cook, Kabren Harris, Zariyah Kirkwood, Elohim Kirkwood, Symone Williams, Naomi Williams, Katelyn Ford and Darius Ford.

2 Great-Great Grandchildren:
Aymiha Williams, Amir Williams

Honorary Sons: John Cook, Paul Harris, Fernando Jordan, KC Kirkwood, and Randy Elix Honorary Daughters: Sophia L Easter, Sherry Easter, Pauletta Easter, Gift John, and Vera Robinson. Along with a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will sorely miss and love her dearly.