Dolores Faye Johnson

Dolores (“Dee”) Faye Johnson, age 88, died on Monday, June 11, 2018, in the Sunrise of Chesterfield in Chesterfield, Missouri. Born January 29, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, Dee was adopted into the loving family of Herbert and Blanche Martin of Reno County, Kansas. Soon thereafter Dee became an older sister to the late Doris Phillips. From an early age, Dee demonstrated a passion for language and creative expression, excelling in all academic subjects, but, most notable, in the language arts. Given this interest and aptitude, Dee in 1952 received her BA degree in Education from The University of Kansas, Sellards Scholarship Hall, and, upon graduation, began teaching English and Drama at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS. In 1958, Dee married Bill Dean Johnson (deceased 2001) and, together, they dedicated themselves to nurturing and supporting the endeavors of their three children, Kyle, Kay, and Ken. Following brief spells in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Evanston, Illinois, Dee and Bill ultimately settled in Shoreline, Washington, to raise their children and embed themselves into the community. Once all of her children had entered school, Dee returned to work and held multiple positions at Seattle Trust and Key Bank. However, Dee’s capabilities and intellect shone most brightly in her community and volunteer commitments, which included service as PTA Officer, President of Klahaya Swim & Tennis Club (Edmonds, WA), President of the Seattle Summer Swim League, and Board Member/Officer Cascade Swim Club (Seattle, WA). In these capacities, Dee brought professionalism, creativity, and dedication to help these organizations thrive. Dee was a quiet woman with a strong character, instilled with an inner strength. She was a devoted loving wife to her husband, Bill, and to her family. She was bestowed the honors of a beauty pageant queen, valedictorian and editor of her high school newspaper. Upon retiring from Key Bank. Dee fully engaged her lifelong passion for language and creative expression. She performed with and directed plays for Shoreline Senior Center (Edmonds, WA) and served as Editor for the Shoreline Community College literary arts journal. These experiences gave Dee much joy, as they provided her with opportunity to showcase her talents and to engage with like-minded colleagues, young and old. Left to honor Dee and remember her love are her three children: Kyle Johnson (Bellevue, WA), Kay Johnson-Hui (Chesterfield, MO), and Ken Johnson (Emmaus, PA); and seven grandchildren: Jackson, Michael, Brandon, Ava, Eric, Quinlan, and Rio. The family will greet friends on Saturday, June 16, at Beck’s Funeral Home in Edmonds, WA. Visitation will be from 9am-12pm, followed by a Memorial from 12-12:30pm and a graveside service at Restlawn Memorial Park (Edmonds, WA). The Johnson family would like to extend its gratitude to all the staff at Sunrise of Chesterfield, MO, and the wonderful BJC Hospice staff for their attentive and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dee’s name to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org). Please share memories at www.beckstributecenter.com.