Emma Jane (Blair) Johnson

Emma Jane (Blair) Johnson passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026 in Houston, Texas after a long battle with cancer. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas to Loran Robert Blair and Mabel Helen (Clark) Van Kirk, Jane was always surrounded by love from her family and many life-long friends. She was particularly close to her step-father, Charles Van Kirk, whom she shared was a true renaissance man of the time. Jane is preceded in death by her half-sister, Jackie Lea Martin (WA) and sister-in-law Julie Ann Bartels (Lake Quivera, KS). Jane is survived by her older brother, Donnie Blair [wife Sharon] (Arlington, TX), son, Brennan Scott Johnson [wife Natalie] (Irving, TX), daughter, Paige Suzanne Johnson (Round Rock, TX), and son Ryan Blair Johnson (Houston, TX). Jane's love for her family was always evident and she never met a stranger. She was truly a "people-person" and lit up a room whenever she walked in. Growing up, Jane really blossomed and loved to have fun, which was showcased during her times at Field Kindley Memorial High School (1963). Jane was active in the bugle corp, a thespian, and a beauty queen! Jane earned a bachelor's degree in education from Emporia State University (1967) where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau. Jane met her husband Donald Leroy Johnson, Jr (d. 2024) while at Emporia, just prior to him leaving to serve in Vietnam. They married in 1967 and started their family a year later. After living in Kansas City, KS for a few years, Don's work took them to Connecticut where Paige and Ryan were born. The family moved to Plano, TX in 1980 and later to Houston, TX, where they resided for 20 years. Jane retired in the north Austin area after a long career in educational sales and briefly returned to Houston prior to her passing. Jane leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Payton and Ashton (Dallas, TX), Merritt and Maddox (Irving, TX), and Blair and Brooke (Round Rock, TX). Jane was thrilled to have recently had her first great-granddaughter, Paloma (Dallas, TX). Jane was fond of other loved ones throughout her life; Joe Bartels (Lake Quivera, KS), Reed Johnson (San Diego, CA), Nancy Burrowes (Columbus, OH), Reed Bartels (Kansas City, KS), Kierstin Millard (Shawnee, KS), and Brooke Lofy (Danville, CA).

Jane's family would like to extend appreciation to both Houston Methodist Hospital and Omega House Hospice, where she received exceptional comfort and care.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 10am-12:30pm in The Hearth Room at The Houstonian Hotel, 111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77024. In honor of her colorful spirit, we invite you to wear her favorite color, pink, if you'd like.

Jane's remains will be interred in her family's plot at Restlawn Cemetary in Coffeyville, KS at a later time.

Flowers can be sent directly to the hotel, under Jane's name, the day prior. Donations in honor of Jane can be made to Omega House Hospice, 602 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77006.