Leslie L. Johnson

Leslie L. Johnson, age 61, of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. A devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, Leslie lived a life rooted in faith, family, compassion, service, and joy.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life that will be held on Friday, November 20th at 1 p.m. at the new Wesley Chapel on the campus of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, located at 5001 W. 137th St., Leawood, KS. 66224. A reception will immediately follow.

Leslie shared nearly 32 years of marriage with her husband, Johnny Johnson. Together, they raised three beautiful children: Caleb, Hannah, and Grace. Leslie’s greatest pride was her family. She was a supportive, nurturing mother who actively volunteered in her children's classrooms, led PTO programs, and instilled in them the importance of service to others through family volunteer efforts, such as, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, sorting food at Harvesters, and supporting Girl Scout programs.

A lifelong Methodist, Leslie’s faith guided her through life. She grew up in the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church before moving to Indianapolis, where she became a vibrant part of the Zionsville United Methodist Church community. There, she shared her warmth as a God Squad hospitality team member, a preschool teacher, and a sang with the "Singing Church Ladies." Upon returning to the KC area, she dedicated many years to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, serving in Kids COR and participating in Building Better Moms.

Leslie graduated from Raytown High School and earned her degree in marketing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her sharp organizational skills and natural warmth shone brightly in her career, where she managed catering, banquets, and special events for the Raphael Hotel and the Kansas City Royals Stadium Club. Her eye for detail was legendary; the wedding reception she and her mother planned for her marriage to Johnny remains a fond point of conversation among family and friends more than thirty years later.

Leslie possessed many wonderful gifts, a generous heart, a smile that lit up any room, an ability to spread happiness to others, and a spirit that ensured she never met a stranger. She had a special intuition for children, always noticing who needed a little extra tenderness or encouragement to feel included.

She leaves behind a legacy of joy, service, and love; for her family and all others she interacted with. Leslie will be deeply missed by her husband, Johnny; her children, Caleb, Hannah, and Grace; her sister, Beth Kennon (Shellee Botts); as well as her beloved nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, and cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and JoAnn Kennon.

Though her absence leaves an empty seat at the table and her voice will be missed at family gatherings, the love she so freely shared remains forever in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest peacefully in the arms of her Lord, secure in the eternal love of her family and the faith she held dear.

A private family Inurnment will be held in the Church of the Resurrection Memorial Garden, Leawood campus.at a future date.

Donations in memory of Leslie may be made to:

Gilda's Club Kansas City, an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community. They uplift and strengthen people who have been impacted by cancer, to include family and friends. They provide support and education, and most importantly, community. https://www.gildasclubkc.org/

Or

Ronald McDonald House, Kansas City - https://ronaldmcdonaldhousekc.org/