Ms. Survunah D. "Pumpkin" Johnson

Survunah Dena Johnson, commonly referred to as "Pumpkin" was born on February
9th, 1957, in Houston, Texas. She was raised by her father, Harrel L. Johnson and mother, Myrtle L. Johnson, in Kansas City, Missouri along with her loving grandmother, Carrie Mae Hunter. She was preceded in death by her mother Myrtle L. Johnson and brother Osmund Q. Johnson.
Pumpkin graduated from Lincoln High School in 1975. In fall of 1975 she attended Lincoln University and became a true Tiger for Life. Shepledged under a little sister group as an "Omega Pearl". Pumpkin graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor's in Business Administration. She continued her
support for Lincoln University through attending annual homecomings and donations to
the school.
We know a lot of folks, but "Pumpkin" had a lot of friends. Her kind ways, respect for all,
and understanding were a balm for all our frustrations and calming our spirits.
Pumpkin was a vocalist and served in the choir at St. Stephen's Baptist Church, Victory
Temple Church before moving to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church with her friend and pastor,
John L. Brooks. She also went on the road singing with Keith Tribett and the Elements of
Faith for over 10 years, including travelling throughout the country and overseas.
Pumpkin, like the rest of the Johnson children worked for years in the family business at
the Johnson's Daycare Center. She worked for over 27 years for Jackson County in
Child Support, Criminal Records, and Division 27. She served many attorneys working
in civil, criminal, and probate cases in Kansas City, Ks and Kansas City, Mo areas. She
was well known to prosecutors and judges in the City, County, State, and Federal levels.
In 1976, Myrtle and Harrel Johnson co-founded the Key Coalition/Kansas City Keys, a
youth basketball program dedicated to mentorship and development. Pumpkin was
always involved in the programming side, handling administrative needs, registration,
fundraising, and served as a cheerleader coach. Pumpkin, poured into the lives of
children in our community as a loving caretaker and supporter.
She leaves behind her father, Harrel L. Johnson, sister, Aljurita "Rena" Spears, and
brother, Harrel F. Johnson (Dianna). Her legacy continues through her nieces and
nephews-Lakeisha Johnson, DeAndre Pierre Johnson (Genee), Harrel Spears
(Tosha), Dominique Johnson, and LaToya Johnson-as well as four great-nephews and
nine great-nieces. She also adopted Grayland Stone as a son, and he became a brother.
Pumpkin will be remembered for her generous heart, comforting spirit, kindness, and
unwavering devotion to her family and community. She will be missed by many!
Funeral Services will be held on November 8, 2025, 11am, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 10am-11am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.