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Kendra Johnson Obituary

CHICAGO, IL-Johnson, Kendra Jo 55, of Chicago, Illinois, died Sunday, May 27, 2018, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, June 2 at St. Paul AME on 1756 North Piatt, Wichita, KS. Repast will be held following services. Kendra was born on July 12, 1962, to Dr. John W. Johnson Jr. and Mary E. Johnson. Kendra grew up in Wichita, KS graduating from Wichita East High School. She began singing at an early age and continued throughout junior high and high school. She attended Wichita State University majoring in voice. She moved to Chicago and while there, attended St. Vincent DePaul. Kendra enjoyed working and mentoring children, even developing a young persons choir while working at the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. She ended her career of 18 years after becoming ill at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank in a management position. While in Wichita, she was a member of St. Paul AME Church, participating in many youth group activities. Kendra was vivacious and good-tempered, however, she could also be formidable and authoritative, qualities required in her management position. She was lovingly nicknamed the general. Her laughter was infectious. Her father, John W. Johnson Jr., preceded her in death. Her mother, Mary Johnson, survives Kendra. In addition to her mother; her sisters, Sherri R. Leeks (Booker) and Lea D. Tatum (Frank); nieces and nephews, Quentin C. Leeks (Rori), Adrianne K. Leeks (Jacob), Jonathan S. Leeks (Timbre), Diamond K. Tatum, LaMoine R. Tatum and John D. Tatum; and a host of grandnieces, cousins, and friends. Blessings to John A. Brown, best friend and companion, for providing care for our beloved when the family was not able to be in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society in the name of Kendra Johnson. Her family and friends will forever remember her loyalty and tremendous love for us.

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Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on May 31, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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Kathleen A

July 26, 2018

I worked under Kendra at JPMorgan for almost 3 years and I've never seen an obituary sum up someone so perfectly. She was absolutely authoritative and strong-willed, but if she pushed you, it's only because she saw strength in you as well.
We had many laughs together and she acted as my mentor as well - pushing me forward, even when I resisted, in my goals to move from Chicago to Phoenix and take on a full project manager role. On a personal note, she shared videos with me of her singing, and was there to listen with a cup of coffee in hand for me when I was going through a difficult time in my personal life. I saw her last June when I visited Chicago and only wish I'd spent more time with her then.
She will be greatly missed.

Jenny Hutchison

June 20, 2018

I was so shocked and saddened to see Kendra's name. I remember very fondly all the fun times we had together at Robinson and East. I pray that God may bless her family and Mr. Brown with peace and comfort. God's angels have added her glorious voice to their heavenly choir. Rest in Peace Kendra. You will be missed by many.

Lisa Jackson Rymph

June 2, 2018

I remember the fun times we had singing in choir at East High and performing at Stars For A Night. Kendra was a good friend, and I have thought of her often over the years. I'm sorry we never got to reconnect with each other. My prayers go out to her family. She will be missed.

STEVE WOLF

June 1, 2018

It was good knowing you in Jr. High and High School. What a force you were.

Dr Janice (Henderson) Martin

May 31, 2018

Thoughts of eternal joy and peace from her Robinson Junior High classmates! May this be a comfort to all who reflect on precious moments with you.

Ronald Anderson

May 31, 2018

To the Johnson family I am saddened to hear about the passing of my former friend and St Paul AME member Kendra what a wonderful young lady she was she will truly be missed may God bless you all during this time of loss rest in peace Kendra

May 31, 2018

Oh Kendra!!! I am so thankful we met and worked together. The laughs we shared. You will be missed. Your smile and your laughter was infectious. May god bless your family.

Cindy Jo Cunningham

May 31, 2018

Dear Sweet Kendra, I was blessed to work with you and know even a small part of your life. You were an angel on earth and now also in heaven. Blessings to John for being your rock. I pray that happy memories will bring comfort to your family and friends. Love, Cindy

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