The Legacy of Kelendria
Embedded Files
Jeremy Johnson
Team Cliff & Vi
Story Summary
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The community of Kennett carries on the spirit of Kelendria Johnson through performance arts and the development of safe spaces and allies for LGBTQ+ people.
“She lived her life without fear, as openly and honestly as she could,” said Limmie Pulliam, an international opera singer, Kennett resident and close friend of Kelendria. Kelendria was involved in community programs advancing the arts, women’s rights and her own performances. After her death, friends have carried on her legacy by supporting the LGBTQ+ community and starting a new scholarship program in her name for Kennett High School graduates pursuing performing arts.
“She chose to transition here, on purpose. She always wanted to be a gateway to a community, be a direct connection to someone in the LGBTQ community,” said Sally McVey Moedritzer, one of Kelendria’s close friends, on Kelendria’s visible gender transition in the small community.
“She was very sensitive to the misfortunes of others.” A patchwork of friendly places and people have emerged within local knowledge to support Kennett’s LGBTQ+ community. Kelendria “knit those [LGBTQ+] spaces together,” said her friend Lisa Lawhorn. Nearly a year after her death, Kelendria’s friends, family and community continue to feel the loss of this local leader, confidant and performer. A standing-room-only memorial service “exposed a grief that touched a whole community,” said Kirsten King, pastor at First Presbyterian Church. “I miss her every day.”
Limmie Pulliam, an international opera singer who lives in town, offered to take the photographer to Kelendria Johnson’s house on in Kennett, Mo. This was the first time Limmie had been there in nearly a year. The last time he was at the property, emergency personnel were carrying Johnson’s body out of the house on a stretcher. The property has been mostly untouched since her death on Oct. 9, 2023.
Gwendolyn Johnson, Kelendria's mother, holds up a photo of her daughter at the family home. The family is still grieving the loss of their daughter nearly a year after her death. “Out of all the things I want you to remember: you are loved,” Gwendolyn frequently told Kelendria.
Heavy rain falls on Memorial Gardens Cemetery where Kelendria Johnson’s remains were buried in October 2023. Her plot is not yet marked and the grave marker is awaiting approval.
Kara Heeb, a drama and algebra teacher, coaches the cast of Kennett High School’s upcoming fall theater production, “Clue." Kelendria, a former student, was deeply involved in the performing arts and loved musical theater. Kara has created a welcoming environment for kids to express themselves. “You gotta choose the way you want to be the light in the world,” Kara said.
Choir robes hang in a closet at the First Presbyterian Church. The church is famous for its Christmas service — the choir has included well-known musicians including Sheryl Crow and Limmie Pulliam. Kelendria was known for her rendition of “Jesus Loves Me.”
Girl Scouts Troop 71259's Ahnisti Long, Kherington Mezo, Chloe Chase and Sophia McDonald joke with each other while discussing the fundraising for a trip to London in the summer of 2026. Kelendria was a regular presence with the troop, often helping her friend and troop leader Mariann Wright.
Kelendria's memorial poster remains in the choir room of the First Presbyterian Church. “The Presbyterian Church and their acceptance of me is one of the most important things in my life,” Gwendolyn said as she remembered her daughter.
Sally McVey Moedritzer and Viretta Sexton look through a Kennett High School yearbook and share memories of the young Kelendria, who was known as Kenny. "She chose to transition here, on purpose,” said Sally, a good friend of Kelendria. “She always wanted to be a gateway to a community, to be a direct connection to someone in the LGBTQ community.”
Kelendria's choir folder slot at the First Presbyterian Church, marked “JOHNSON,” still retains her name nearly a year after her death. “Kelendria’s memorial service exposed a grief that touched the whole community," pastor Kirsten King said. "I miss her every day."
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