Lavonne Johnson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Lavonne Athena Golden Johnson, 86 passed from this life at her home on December 7th, 2020 following a long illness.

Lavonne was born on September 28, 1934, one of ten children of the late JR and Lora Golden in rural Seneca Mo. Four brothers; Charles, Ray, Roy and Eddie precede her in death. Three sisters; Juanita, Polly and Barbara also precede her in death. 

She is survived by two sisters; Ruth Yeakey and Loretta Turley, both of rural Seneca.

On June 25th 1950 she married Edwin Johnson. He preceded her in death. The couple raised four children; the late Charlotte Golden, daughter Maria Lombard of Duenweg, son Richard of the home and son David and wife Sissy also of the home. Additional survivors include 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren, a host of additional family and friends.

Lavonne worked at Sears, as a rural paper carrier and an Avon representative at different points of her life, worked the farm and with her late husband operated a meat processing plant on that farm for 37 years.

Lavonne was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, beginning at the Sears Prairie congregation, to the Beef Branch congregation and ending with the Stapleton congregation. Her voice was a strong lead and alto in all congregational singing. She, along with her husband, sister Barbara and brother in law Darrell formed a quartet that was very popular at singings of the area and opened for the Blackwood Brothers during one of their visits to Neosho.

The family wishes to acknowledge extraordinary contributions to her care, at home. First and foremost sister Loretta Turley who spent countless hours by her side at both Joplin and Tulsa hospitals, as well as visiting her at home despite caring for her husband John who had just suffered a stroke. Aunt Loretta is an angel to this family. Also Tammy Jeffers, who sat nights with Mom allowing caregivers to rest.

The family also wishes to thank the employees of Three Rivers hospice who worked with us to keep Mom comfortable during this transition.

Lavonne’s memorial will be held at the Stapleton Church of Christ at 2 pm on Saturday December 12th. The service will be open to family and friends. Nephew Joe Johnson will lead congregational singing and cousin Erik Hershey will deliver the message.