Kay Johnson, 38, of St. Louis, MO, passed away on January 24, 2023. Her life was tragically cut short due to a gun violence incident.

Kay was born on December 21, 1984 to Mark and Yoriko Johnson in Osaka, Japan. After graduating from Franklin County High School in 2003, she had numerous odd jobs until she met her (now former) husband Terry. Together they had a beautiful baby daughter.

When Evelyn was born, Kay dedicated her life to being a loving and nurturing mother, present for all the important moments. She fulfilled her role as a mother with a fierce love for her child and a deep courage only few may possess. When it came to her professional life, Kay always put her best foot forward and met life’s challenges with awareness and compassion. Her strong work ethic landed her a hospitality position at The Ritz Carlton, where she was also known by her staff for her generosity and fun-loving personality. 

Kay loved her home in St. Louis and was dedicated to revealing the old beauty found within the walls. She approached each project with pride and grit, all while providing a comfortable home for her daughter. When she wasn’t at work or spending time with her daughter, Kay could be found in her backyard, working on a new house project or gardening alongside her neighbor. She was an intelligent, formidable, and beautiful soul. We will miss her greatly. Kay is survived by her father Mark, her mother Yoriko, her older brother Christopher, and her older sister Jamie. A memorial service was held for close friends and family members in St. Louis shortly after her passing. Another memorial service will be planned in celebration of her life when we return to Tennessee (date and location TBD). 

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