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Phyllis Mercedes Johnson

Phyllis Mercedes Johnson

  • April 17, 1919 - December 18, 2012
  • Saint Peters, Missouri
Pause Best of Times by Bruce H. Zimmerman (ASCAP)
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Memories & Candles

“Mrs, Mercedes will be dearly missed! I grew up on Washington St. and as a child we played hide and go seek a lot and one of our favorite places to...Read More » ”
1 of 18 | Posted by: Monica Callaway-Middleton - CO

“We will miss this precious jewel in our lives. But we know that God has given her a crown with more jewels that we could ever imagine. Patricia,...Read More » ”
2 of 18 | Posted by: Rev Henry & Sister Jackie Midgett - MO

“Sorry for your loss. Will keep you in prayer. ”
3 of 18 | Posted by: Marian Baker - St Charles, MO

“We will always Love and Cherish Aunt Pete. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ”
4 of 18 | Posted by: Ron & Bell Sydnor - Dallas, TX

“Patricia and Family, you have been blessed with love from an amazing woman of strength, dedication, and passion. Her guidance encouraged you to...Read More » ”
5 of 18 | Posted by: Donette Goodlett - Saint Peters, MO

“Patricia you have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Nana, she will be missed by all of us. What a beautiful and graceful lady who was an...Read More » ”
6 of 18 | Posted by: West Ewing

“Patricia, you have my deepest sympathy. God will see you through this. For he said, He would not leave you alone. May God Bless and keep you and...Read More » ”
7 of 18 | Posted by: Thelma Ward - Florissant, MO

“A Tribute To a Faithful Church Member Sis. Mercedes Johnson... A sunday school teacher A choir member Church musician when there was no one...Read More » ”
8 of 18 | Posted by: Joy McCaleb Bryant - St. Charles, MO

“Nana, what wonderful, beautiful woman. She has touched a lot of lives even if you didnot know her personally, from her family and for me from her...Read More » ”
9 of 18 | Posted by: Min. Derrick A.Robinson'D Rob' - MO

“Patricia Your Grandma was a very special person as was your Mom. I am so glad that I got to know both of them. You are very blessed to have your...Read More » ”
10 of 18 | Posted by: Barb Bott - St Charles, MO

“Patricia, Trust and know that your Nana and Mother are so very proud of the beautiful woman that they raised. My deepest sympathies are with you...Read More » ”
11 of 18 | Posted by: Anissa Harris - St. Charles, MO

“BEAUTIFUL LADY I WAS SO BLESSED TO HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO MEET THIS WONDERFUL LADY. SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL IN AND OUT ALL THE WAY TO HER SOUL. I ALSO WAS...Read More » ”
12 of 18 | Posted by: BEVERLY MONGO - FLORISSANT , MO

“Patricia, You're in our thoughts and prayers. May fond memories comfort you and bring you peace. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. ...Read More » ”
13 of 18 | Posted by: Vasie & Phoebe Grant - MO

“Your vast knowledge of the bible which you displayed in sunday school has encouraged me to study the scriptures.God bless. ”
14 of 18 | Posted by: leroy turner - St peters, MO

“Dear Sister Johnson, You will truly be missed by all. I especially will miss seeing you in your usual seat at church wearing that hat with the...Read More » ”
15 of 18 | Posted by: Nikki Hatten - Saint Charles, MO

“Patricia, I know how special your Nana was to you and your family and know she will be greatly missed. I will be praying that God will put His arms...Read More » ”
16 of 18 | Posted by: Debbie Weaver - Florissant, MO

“Patricia, I believe you are the best of both your Mom and Grandmother. You are in my prayers. ”
17 of 18 | Posted by: Sharon Hunn - St. Charles, MO

“We will miss your kind and keen smile that always showed you cared about others. ”
18 of 18 | Posted by: Carolyn and Theodore hodges - MO


  • Camdyn reading to Grand-Nan
  • Mother and daughter

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Johnson, Phyllis Mercedes, of St. Charles, Missouri, died on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the age of 93. Loving wife of the late James P. Johnson; beloved daughter of the late Charles Wesley and Loraina Sydnor; treasured nana of Patricia M. (Alan) Closson; cherished great-grandmother of Jaden Patrick Closson and Camdyn Alexa Closson; dear mother-in-law of Calvin Payne; beloved sister of Flora Y. Woodson, and Elsa Maxine Reid; dear sister-in-law of Pansy Sydnor, Nadine Sydnor, Nona Clayborn, and Marian June (Robert) Gillette. She is preceded in death by her daughter Beverly E. Johnson-Payne and infant daughter Patricia L. Johnson.

Born in Hutchinson, Kansas and reared in Troy, Missouri, Phyllis earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Lincoln University in 1941. She later obtained a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling from Washington University in 1965. Phyllis taught Family and Consumer Science in New Madrid and Saint Charles, Missouri, rounding out her career in education at Franklin High School. In 1951, Phyllis became employed with the Missouri Division of Employment Security and served in the following capacities: interviewer, counselor, counselor supervisor, and Equal Employment Opportunity officer, retiring as the first African American district manager.

Phyllis was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she served as church clerk, treasurer, choir member, WMU member, and Sunday school teacher. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Because Phyllis believed strongly in giving of her time to help others, she volunteered at St. Joseph Health Center for 20 years, at countless blood drives with the American Red Cross, and tutored many children in the City of St. Charles School District through the Oasis Program. As a result of her civic and humanitarian efforts, she has been recognized by the Saint Charles County Historical Society, Saint Charles Chamber of Commerce, and Commerce Bank. Phyllis was an amazing woman whose light, laughter, and love will be forever missed by all fortunate enough to have known her.

Following the interment, friends are invited to fellowship with the family at a repast which will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Lincoln University Scholarship Foundation or Parkinson's Disease Foundation.