Karen Lee Johnson

Karen Johnson passed away at her home surrounded by family on April 22, 2026. Karen was a 1968 graduate of Ritenour High School and later graduated from Lindenwood University with a Masters degree in Communications. She taught English Literature at Lindenwood University for many years in their LCIE program. She also worked as a paraprofessional for Francis Howell School District and as a Career Coach for MERS/Goodwill, from which she retired in 2019.

She is survived by:

sister Debbie Spickler of St. Charles

3 brothers; Matt Johnson (Mary) of St. Charles, Mike Johnson (Barb), of Warrenton, Jim Johnson of Denver CO

sister-in-law Dawn Divinny-Johnson

nephew Brandon Divinny

nieces Brittany Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Jennifer Spickler-McGuire, Lisa Lasica (Cory), Lori Fielding (Pat), and Blake Divinny.

great nieces Alaina McGuire, Leah McGuire, Emerson Johnson, Sadie Fielding, and Olivia Lasica.

great nephews Kendrick Burroughs, and Blake Johnson

great-great nephews Louis Burroughs, Miles Burroughs, Wesley Burroughs

great-great niece Evie Burroughs and Anessah Schiltz.

She was preceded in death by her parents Wilfred and Gloria Johnson and a brother Scott Johnson.

Karen was a kind and spirited soul who loved her family, the St. Louis Cardinals, and animals of all kinds. She enjoyed cooking and reading, and was an avid Stephen King fan. Karen stood firmly in her beliefs, advocating for justice, equality, and the dignity of all people, and was an unstoppable champion for the underrepresented.

Memorials may be made in Karen's name to Humane Society of Missouri.