Mary Barbara Johnson

Mary went to her Lord on Monday, May 2nd, 2022. She was born the only daughter on January 3rd, 1932 to parents Teressa Vivian and Jefferson Ashby O'Neal in Rich Hill, Missouri. She was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ and was ordained in the priesthood as an elder in 1998.

Mary was known in drama and music circles in the Topeka community when she performed for Topeka Civic Theater, Topeka Opera Society & Concert Association (TOSCA) and sang as a soloist in many Topeka churches. She was employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas for 30 years. She married Marvin Gilkeson on October 27, 1949. They were divorced. She and Harold B. Johnson Jr. were married on September 6, 1972. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2001.

Surviving are her daughters Cathy Lynn Gilkeson of Peyton, CO and Donna Thurston of Peyton, CO; Two stepsons, Harold B. Johnson III and Jonathan Johnson of Topeka; and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are a son, Rex Allen Gilkeson; four brothers, Alex O'Neal, Charles H. O'Neal, Tom O'Neal, Jeff O'Neal; and step-son, James R. Johnson. Cremation is planned. Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 12th, at 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Penwell-Gabel Midtown Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS. A memorial service will follow. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to Community of Christ Church or Midland Hospice of Topeka.

Mary's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.