Kelendria Giselle Johnson

Kelendria Giselle Johnson, the youngest child of Roland and Gwendolyn Johnson, was born September 30, 1987, in Columbia, MO. She departed this life on Monday, October 9, 2023, in Kennett, MO. at the age of 36 years and 9 days. Kelendria was raised in Kennett, Missouri where she was currently employed by the Kennett Chamber of Commerce. Never one to sit idle, she was also a support to her family’s business, Gwendolyn’s Kitchen. She was a member of the Kennett High School graduating class of 2006, and it was during her years in the Kennett school system that Kelendria developed her love for the fine arts. She was an active member of the band where she played the trumpet and served as the Drum Major for the KHS Marching Indians and, most recently, played as part of the newly formed KHS Alumni Band during Homecoming 2023. She excelled in choir earning awards and honors at the district and state levels. On the KHS stage, she appeared in several musicals and plays, including Cinderella, Les Misérables, Damn Yankees, and Annie Get Your Gun. As an adult, she devoted her time and energy to bringing art, music, and performance opportunities to the area and was a strong supporter of the local arts scene. Kelendria was a member of the Kennett Alliance for the Arts and served as the Entertainment Chair for their annual Fall Into Arts Festival. She was also an active member of the Wednesday Music Club, SEMO Little Theater, and was recently elected the Vice President of Act II Performing Arts Company. Kelendria didn’t just support the arts, Kelendria lived them. She was often asked to share her talent with area organizations, festivals, and church events. She was a much-loved member of the Kennett First Presbyterian Church family. She was active in the choir and was often a featured soloist. She never missed a Christmas Eve Service, and her rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” was soul-stirring for anyone who had the experience of witnessing it. Some of Kelendria‘s most notable community and regional performances include Ragtime In Concert, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Oedipus Rex, and The Magic of Oz where she also served as the production’s director. During the summer you could find Kelendria performing with the Kennett Municipal Band or as an annual performer at the “Mobley Family Annual Gala Celebration of the Anniversary of our Nation’s Independence”. Kelendria loved New York and Broadway, and was proud to have had the opportunity to grace the stage at Carnegie Hall. Being active in the community was important to Kelendria. She was an active member of the Kennett Lions Club, the MU Extension Council for Dunklin County, and the Dunklin County Democratic Women. She was an avid supporter of Girl Scout Troop 71259, and you could frequently find her at many community happenings, including back to school events, and food distributions, serving as a volunteer. Kelendria leaves behind her loving family including her parents, Roland and Gwendolyn Johnson of Kennett, MO; 2 brothers: Carlos (Iris) Johnson, of Aurora, IL; and Jason Johnson of San Jose, Costa Rica, and loving aunts, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She leaves a plethora of friends. She cared deeply about people and had a magical way of forming bonds. She understood the importance of making friendships a priority. Her impact on those that she knew was instantly apparent, and she would always make a point to acknowledge and say a friendly word to the everyone she encountered. These qualities endeared her to all. Because we knew her, we’ve all been changed for good! Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Kennett with Pastor Kirsten King officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett. Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.