Harrison Ross Mortuary

Message From Family

The family of Gertrude Jackson would like to thank you for the many acts of loving-kindness shown to us during our bereavement. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.

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Kay Francis Johnson was born June 18, 1932, in Los Angeles, California to the late Rueben and Ossie Bell Smith. She was the fourth of seven children. Both parents and 5 siblings preceded her in death.

Kay received her childhood education through the Los Angeles Unified School District graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. Afterward, she would work for more than 10 years as a Special Education Teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).

While in Los Angeles, she met and married the â��love her life,â�� Kenneth Johnson, in 1953. To this union, three beautiful children were born: Kenny Oliver (deceased,) Robert Van, and Patrice Antoinette. Kay and Kenneth shared 65 years of marriage.

At an early age, she united with the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend R. B. Porter.

In 1984, Kay Francis, along with her family, united with the Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Morris Jones, Jr. (deceased) and current Pastor Dr. A. B. Simon, Sr., where she served faithfully as an active member of the Church, Deaconess Board (President/member,) Communion Staff, and Sunday School Department, with her husband, until her health began to fail.

Kay\'s special hobbies were â��shopping and making Casino runsâ�� with the family. She was one of the best dressers in or out of church. Kay would be matching from head to toe with everything in its proper place.

She leaves to cherish her memories her beloved husband Kenneth, one son Robert Van, one daughter Patrice Antoinette, one sister Joyce Parker, two grandsons: Kenneth Gatling of Los Angeles, CA, and Warren Gatling of Los Vegas, NV; six grandchildren: Natalie, Jazzmyn, Liyah, Vernique, Warren Jr., and Aloha; two special goddaughters: Yolanda A. Finn, and Angie Harris; she also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends.