Leslie Johnson

Leslie Harmon Freeze Johnson Leslie Harmon Freeze Johnson, 74, died on March 22, 2016 at Midland Hospice, following a long battle with cancer. Leslie was born January 16, 1942 in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of John and Evelyn Harmon Freeze. She spent her early years in Dallas, graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1959. Her studies included SMU and Memphis State, with her most recent degree being a Master s in English from the University of Kansas. She was a proud Jayhawk throughout her life. She married M.A. (Biff) Johnson of Lawrence, Kansas; they later divorced. Leslie had several fascinating career stops, including being an Intelligence Analyst at the CIA in Washington D.C. For several years she lived in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, where she worked for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Scores of dogs and cats have been saved by Leslie s tireless and passionate work in animal rescue programs. She was actively involved with National English Shepherd Rescue (NESR) and the Border Collie Rescue Group. She initiated and operated Friends of Felines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She moved to Topeka in 2008 to care for her aging mother and also became active in the Prairieland Visiting Animal Association and Topeka CAT Association. She was a master gardener and very proud of her tomato plants. Leslie is survived by a brother Larry Freeze (Marilyn), Topeka; nieces Andrea Freeze Taylor (Jamie), Daytona Beach, Florida, and Laura Freeze Ho (Jeff), Oakland, California. She is also survived by her many beloved pets (including her five dogs, several cats and two birds) and numerous friends. She is best remembered by her friends for: her dry sense of humor; her volunteer work at surrounding hospitals with registered therapy dogs; and by the strength of character she demonstrated during her long battle with cancer. Leslie was active in the Presbyterian Church, attending First Presbyterian Church in Topeka, where she has served as a Stephen Minister. A memorial gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2016, at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service, 4020 SW 6th Street, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 817 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66612, Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas 66604, or an organization of the donor s choice. To leave a message for the family, visit www.DoveCremation.com. Leslie Johnson