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PITTSBURG —
April Michelle Johnson, 27, of Pittsburg, died on Monday, July 2, 2012. April was born April 15, 1985, to Russell Johnson and Jayne Whetzell Johnson. She was the granddaughter of the late Bob and Dee Johnson of Pittsburg and the late John Jr. and Billie Whetzell of Franklin.
Due to complications during surgery to repair a defective heart valve when she was a toddler, April suffered brain damage and paralysis. With a strong will and good care, she recovered and returned home, where she continued to make progress with the loving support of her family.
April attended elementary and secondary schools in Pittsburg. She enjoyed her classmates, teachers and therapists and thrived in the learning environment. One of her favorite activities was participating in the Southeast Kansas Special Olympics. She graduated from Pittsburg High School in 2003, but continued in the special education program until she was 21 years old. In 2006, she served as honorary torchbearer in the SEK Special Olympics.
April’s courage, strong will and friendly nature were an inspiration to all who knew her. She endured several surgeries and lengthy hospital stays, but always came out of it fighting. Her courageous battle and bright smile led to her being chosen as the 1995 poster model for the Kansas Department of Health’s Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs program. She and her proud family participated in a ceremony with the governor at the State Capitol in Topeka.
A few of April’s favorites things were Disney films, music, dancing in her wheelchair, putting on lipstick, watching her Dad’s softball and basketball games, and ice cream treats. She also enjoyed swimming, horseback riding, and the companionship of her dog, Bo.
April is survived by her dad, Russell Johnson of the home; her mother, Jayne Whetzell Burton and her husband, Rob Burton of Wichita; her sister, Rachael Johnson Peterson, and her husband, Sean Peterson, Rogers, Ark.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who adored her.
Services for April will be held Monday, July 9, 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg with Pastor Glen Duderstadt officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in April’s memory to the Kansas Special Olympics These may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, KS, 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
April Michelle Johnson, 27, of Pittsburg, died on Monday, July 2, 2012. April was born April 15, 1985, to Russell Johnson and Jayne Whetzell Johnson. She was the granddaughter of the late Bob and Dee Johnson of Pittsburg and the late John Jr. and Billie Whetzell of Franklin.
Due to complications during surgery to repair a defective heart valve when she was a toddler, April suffered brain damage and paralysis. With a strong will and good care, she recovered and returned home, where she continued to make progress with the loving support of her family.
April attended elementary and secondary schools in Pittsburg. She enjoyed her classmates, teachers and therapists and thrived in the learning environment. One of her favorite activities was participating in the Southeast Kansas Special Olympics. She graduated from Pittsburg High School in 2003, but continued in the special education program until she was 21 years old. In 2006, she served as honorary torchbearer in the SEK Special Olympics.
April’s courage, strong will and friendly nature were an inspiration to all who knew her. She endured several surgeries and lengthy hospital stays, but always came out of it fighting. Her courageous battle and bright smile led to her being chosen as the 1995 poster model for the Kansas Department of Health’s Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs program. She and her proud family participated in a ceremony with the governor at the State Capitol in Topeka.
A few of April’s favorites things were Disney films, music, dancing in her wheelchair, putting on lipstick, watching her Dad’s softball and basketball games, and ice cream treats. She also enjoyed swimming, horseback riding, and the companionship of her dog, Bo.
April is survived by her dad, Russell Johnson of the home; her mother, Jayne Whetzell Burton and her husband, Rob Burton of Wichita; her sister, Rachael Johnson Peterson, and her husband, Sean Peterson, Rogers, Ark.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who adored her.
Services for April will be held Monday, July 9, 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg with Pastor Glen Duderstadt officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in April’s memory to the Kansas Special Olympics These may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, KS, 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
