Beverly J. Johnson

Beverly J. Johnson (1931-2023)

Beverly June (Wagner) Johnson, Independence, Missouri, was born July 1, 1931 to Joseph Hubert Wagner and Bertha Lela Frede in Kansas City, Missouri. She passed away peacefully on June 1, 2023.

Beverly attended William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri, and received her G.E.D. in April 1965. She was united in marriage to Wilfred Carl Johnson on July 23, 1948 and together they had two children. They lived in Independence and Smithville, Missouri during their 72 years together until he passed away in 2021.

Beverly was much more than an amazing wife, mother, grandma and great grandma (aka Grandma Great). She was a wonderful homemaker known for her immaculate home as well as a great cook. Whether it was her homemade noodles, cinnamon rolls, peanut brittle, chocolate chip cookies, or iced Christmas tree cookies, everyone had a favorite because she spoiled everyone she knew with her wonderful cooking and baking skills. She loved to travel with her family on trips to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Branson, Disney World, and Hawaii.

Family always came first with Beverly. She attended family birthday parties, dance recitals, and graduations. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to any friend, neighbor, or family member – often babysitting for others since she was a stay-at-home mom. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Survivors include son, Donald Johnson (Janice) Blue Springs, Missouri; daughter, Barbara Craig (Michael), Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren, Timothy Johnson (Kelle), Vanessa Diaz (Enrique), Melissa Lewis-Jones (Michael), Jason Craig, Ryan Craig (Sarah), Mark Craig (Bridget) and Cynthia Matthews (Aaron); 16 great grandchildren; two sister-in-laws, Ilene Wagner and Frances Wagner; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Robert Wagner, Frank Wagner and Richard Wagner, and sister, Marjorie Kerchevall.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. preceding the service.