Rebecca (Becky) Johnson, 85, of Leavenworth, Kansas, died February 26, 2023, after a brief illness. A memorial service will be postponed until May 2023, details to be announced.
Becky was born January 17, 1938 in Montclair, New Jersey, daughter of T. Lester and Constance Swander. The family moved to San Antonio, Texas, when Becky was very young, and in her heart, she always considered herself a Texan. After graduating Thomas Alva Edison High School in San Antonio, she attended the University of Kansas, where she received a BA in Liberal Arts and fell in love with Paul Johnson, whom she married in 1962.
While Paul was in the Navy stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, Becky was a social worker, serving the Charleston and Gullah communities, an experience that moved her deeply and remained with her always.
Becky and Paul moved to Leavenworth in 1965, where they remained. Becky put her social work training to use by starting a daycare center at Leavenworth's YWCA and volunteering at the women's state prison. She also volunteered with the Picture Lady program in Leavenworth public schools, visiting elementary school classrooms to introduce children to famous works of art.
In the early 1970s, Becky discovered a passion for working in clay, first sculpture and then ceramics. She earned a BA in Fine Arts and MFA in Art History from the University of Kansas. She taught art history at Park University in Parkville, Missouri; Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas; Kansas City Community College's Leavenworth campus; and at the U.S. Penitentiary.
In 1986, Becky co-founded the Carnegie Arts Center in Leavenworth's old Carnegie library building. With a small staff and many dedicated volunteers, the arts center offered art instruction and exhibits to the Leavenworth community for over 20 years.
In retirement, Becky volunteered as a driver and night-shelter assistant for the Interfaith Community of Hope and Welcome Central. She enjoyed throwing pots and selling her pottery at the Northland Artists' Gallery in Weston, Missouri, and at the Leavenworth Farmers' Market. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for 57 years and served as Senior Warden on the vestry. She also served on the board of Leavenworth Attainable Housing and had many friends in the community through her involvement with PEO and the Whittier Club.
Becky is preceded in death by Paul, her husband of 59 years. She is survived by her sister, Susan Brown; by her children and daughters-in-law, Carl Johnson (Mary Beth), Sarah Johnson, Eric Johnson (Heather); by her grandchildren, Logan Bruce, Paul Johnson, Teresa Johnson, Emma Johnson, and Grace Bruce Johnson; and by her many beloved nieces and nephews.
