Evelyn Bryant Mckay-Johnson

Obituary EVELYN BRYANT MCKAY JOHNSON was the 4th born child to the late Ida Mae Joshua and Julius Somerfield McKay on October 24, 1934 in Clayton, Missouri. Evelyn was affectionately called "TT" by her sister Joyce. Joyce preceded Evelyn in death along with her parents, two brothers Richard (Dicky) and Julius (Sonny), husband Reverend Robert S. Johnson, two sons Robert and Brian, two grandchildren Jovon'na and Ryan, daughter-in-law Doris Yvette and her son-in-law Dwayne Madison. Evelyn received her primary school education during a time period prior to integration. The school she attended was Attucks Elementary School in Clayton which was a one room classroom across the street from her home, where she attended with her sister and two of her brothers. She later attended Sumner High School and graduated with the class of 1950. Years later, while being a working adult, mother, and wife, Evelyn continued her higher education at Harris Stowe Teacher's College where she received an A.B. 'Atrium Baccalaureus' Education degree (Bachelor of Arts degree in education) in 1971. Evelyn continued to pursue her education and received a master's degree in Education with a concentration in mathematics from Webster University in 1976, as well as a master's degree in Gifted Education from Maryville University in 1993. Evelyn put her education to use and was well-sought teacher in the St. Louis public, private, and charter schools. Evelyn graced the class-rooms and enhanced the learning of hundreds of students with a career of over 33 years in teaching. During her career she taught at Euclid Elementary, Kennard School, Enright Middle School and Ethel Hedgeman Lyles Life Academy where she retired. Evelyn joined and was baptized by the Late Rev. Dr. W. L. Rhodes at the Clayton Missionary Baptist Church at an early age where she sang in the Sun-beam Choir, the Young Adult Choir and worked in many different auxiliaries throughout the church. During one youth program, Evelyn met a young Methodist Minister named Robert Sloan Johnson, from Unity Methodist AME Church in Webster Groves. Evelyn affectionately called him Bobby. At the time of meet-ing, neither knew that they would later share a union; however, God knew their love was meant to be. Evelyn and Robert were married on July 26, 1952. To this union four children were born: Evelyn Renee', Robert Sloan Jr., Ida Evon and Brian Joshua Johnson. Evelyn was a dutiful wife from the day they were wed. When Reverend Johnson was called to pastor at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Saint Charles, Evelyn was by his side and served as the Minister of Music. She selected music that was uplifting, spiritual and coinciding with the spoken word. In 1958, for a short period of time, the couple moved to Los Angeles, California with their two small children (Robert Jr. and Ida). While in Los Angeles, Bobby became gravely ill, and Evelyn never left his side. The family returned to St. Louis, and Evelyn became the homemaker working different jobs in order to provide for the family. Evelyn and the family returned home and attended Clayton Missionary Baptist Church, where Evelyn played the piano and directed the choir. She would remain a dutiful member of this church until her husband was called to pastor The First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertson in 1962. Serving as the first lady and the Minister of Music, Evelyn and her husband organized the youth choir and Junior Usher Board Ministry. Evelyn and her husband ministered to the young people by organizing activities including ice skating, Vacation Bible Study School, bowling and even having car washes. The mission was to keep the youth involved in the church. In addition to being devoted to the church and her family, Evelyn also had a separate social life. She pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority while at Harris Stowe University, and remained active in her chapter for many years. Evelyn enjoyed reading, painting, golfing, bowling and cruising. She was a member of the Saturday Reading Club and a member of the Fun Girls Club. Evelyn was an accomplished pianist with the gift of reading music and playing by ear. Evelyn would play piano for the church and school assembly programs for various schools. After her husband passed in April 1991, Evelyn continued her work as a schoolteacher, and continued to use her musical talent by playing piano at the First Baptist Church of Glendale. Evelyn joined the Shalom Church City of Peace on May 2, 1999. Evelyn was an active member in the church serving on the Mother's Ministry beginning in May 2012 and playing piano for Shalom Wednesday Midday Worship and some evening Bible study, until her health began to fail. Evelyn was intellectually brilliant and equally musically gifted. She had many accomplishments including the Teacher of the Year, Apple for the Teacher, Who's Who, and many other accolades. Though Evelyn was a remarkable busy woman, she always found time for her family. Her loved and dedication to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, was to ensure that they would be success-ful and afforded the opportunities that were not as readily available to her generation. The Johnson family always had their own live in Math, English, Reading and Phonics teacher. Evelyn also would make time to tutor other children that needed her help with their education. She felt education was supreme was and did not want anyone to be left behind. In Evelyn's final days, she spoke to her family about her plans to have a large birthday party celebration for her upcoming 86th birthday. On the evening of Sunday October 4th, Evelyn received her invitation to come and join the Lord in the upper room for a grand celebration. Evelyn leaves to cherish her memory: (2) daughters; Evelyn Renee' Madison and Ida Evon Johnson (5) grandchildren; Rickey II, Lamar, Coree, Robert III (Paris), and Jasmine (6) great-grandchildren Jaylen, Logan, London, Laila, Tylaya and Evan (3) brothers; Gordon (Betty), Daniel, and Gerald (Glenda), (1) sister-in-law; Eugenia Cain, (1) brother-in-law; Walter Smallwood (Cynthia), a mother-in-law; Edna Johnson, (19) nieces, (8) nephews, (8) grand nieces, (5) grand nephews, (3) Special sisters; JoAnn Duvall, Doris Frazier, and Beverly Ellis. Special friends; Rev Moses and Edna Javis, Anthony Turner and Dr. Charles and Judge Angela Quigless, a host of cousins and other relatives and friends. Evelyn was the matriarch of her family, and her passing has left a void that can never be filled. She was a living example of how anyone can overcome obstacles and hurdles and can be successful. Evelyn lived and demonstrated her faith and her love for GOD throughout her life, and until she took her final breath. The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. L.D. Tate and the Olivette Missionary Baptist Church for opening your doors and hearts to this family in their time of bereavement. A special tribute to Mrs. Doris James for always demonstrating her love and taking care of the Johnson Family during our days at the First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertson. Thank you to Williams-James Mortuary, Inc. for taking care of Evelyn's final arrangements and bringing her home to St. Louis, also for handling the final arrangement for so many others in our family throughout the years. Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery7800 St. Charles Rock RoadSt. Louis, MO 63114 . Visitation Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Friday, October 16, 2020 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 12200 New Halls Ferry RoadFlorissant, Missouri 63033 Directions Funeral Service Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Friday, October 16, 2020 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 12200 New Halls Ferry RoadFlorissant, Missouri 63033 Directions