Artie Lee Johnson

Artie Lee Johnson, age 89, passed away surrounded by family on June 23, 2024, in Aurora, Colorado. Born on December 19, 1934, in Dermott, Arkansas, to Jannie and Hannibal Leffridge, Artie was a beloved figure in her community and an inspiration to all who knew her. Artie met her loving husband Roy Johnson, of 70 years at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Fresno, CA. As the wife of a US Airforce airman/NCO she traveled throughout Europe and the United States.

Artie's early education began at Columbia Elementary School in Marianna, Arkansas, and she graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in Fresno, California, in 1952. Artie was one of the first black band majorettes at Edison. She pursued higher education diligently, earning an AA degree in Physical Education from Los Angeles City College and a BS in Elementary Education from the University of Maine. She was a substitute teacher during her travels to Maine and Germany.

Professionally, Artie dedicated her life to the service of others, particularly her family. Her career included the positions of Assistant Director at the Youth Center and Director of the Child Development Center, both at Lowry AFB, Colorado. She was awarded the Child Development Director of the Year while working at Lowry. When Lowry AFB, CO closed she went to Langley AFB in Hampton, VA and served as a Child Development and Youth Specialist inspecting AF Centers and teaching them how to become Nationally Accredited programs.

Outside of her professional life, Artie was passionate about a variety of hobbies. She took pleasure in quilting and the Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild recognized her as an Honorary member for her outstanding contributions to the Guild. Knitting, crocheting, macrame, spoon collecting, lladro brass rubbings, and sewing were among her many hobbies. She also enjoyed genealogy, showing a keen interest in her family’s history. Her love for sports was evident in her enthusiasm for bowling, badminton, tennis, and she was an avid Denver Broncos fan.

Artie is survived by her loving husband, Roy, and their children: Rennaye Johnson, Aona Johnson, Robin Johnson, Reniese Johnson and Renette Ivester. She was a cherished grandmother to Roilen Ivester, Dina Caraballo, Riana Ivester, Ryan Johnson, Andraya Williams, Joey Trese, and Sarah MacVean (Ben), and a proud great-grandmother to Lorae Jones, Xzavier Ivester, Michael Caraballo, Leon Johnson, Aria Johnson, Quentin Ivester-Westfall, and Ramon Johnson. She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Ronda A. Trese.

The funeral services will be held at Newcomer, East Metro Chapel, located at 190 Potomac Street, Aurora, Colorado, on July 5, 2024, at 11:30 am.

Artie's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.