Ericka A.T.C Johnson

Forever Our Sunshine, Forever Our Mema 

“Some souls are so beautiful that even heaven cannot take away the warmth they leave behind. Their love becomes the sunshine in our memories, the comfort in our hearts, and the light that guides us until we meet again.” 

With profound sadness and hearts filled with love, we announce the passing of our beloved Ericka Antoinette Johnson, affectionately known as “Mema,” who departed this life on October 3, 2026. 

Ericka was a beautiful soul, inside and out, whose life was defined by faith, love, laughter, strength, and an extraordinary devotion to others. She was sunshine to everyone who knew her, always smiling, cheerful, and full of warmth. Her presence could brighten a room, her laughter brought comfort, and her kindness made everyone feel welcomed and loved. 

Her favorite color was yellow, and her favorite flowers were sunflowers, both perfectly reflecting the beautiful spirit she carried throughout her life. Like the sunflowers she adored, Ericka radiated happiness, warmth, resilience, and light.

 To know Ericka was to know love.

 Ericka was a woman of faith who loved God and treasured the time she spent studying the Bible with her beloved brother, Shaun. Her faith was an important part of her life, providing strength, comfort, and meaning throughout her journey. She was also a loving and devoted sister to her brother Marty, cherishing the bond of family and the relationships that meant so much to her.

 Family was at the center of Ericka’s world. She was loving, protective, generous, and deeply devoted to those she held close. She was always there in times of need, offering a listening ear, a comforting embrace, encouragement, or simply her presence. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, accepted, and valued. 

Ericka believed that family extended far beyond blood. She welcomed others into her heart without hesitation, embracing anyone who needed kindness, belonging, or a place to call home. She loved people wholeheartedly and had a remarkable gift for making strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family. 

Her heart was a home, and there was always room for one more. 

Ericka dedicated more than 20 years of her life to serving her community through the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, where she proudly served as a first-shift sergeant at the detention facility. Her years of service reflected her leadership, dedication, strength, and commitment to others. She earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends and extended family.

 In 2014, Ericka was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer affecting the bone marrow. She faced her illness with remarkable courage, strength, and determination. Even as her health presented significant challenges, including the gradual loss of her vision, her desire to live remained strong. She fought tirelessly, not only because she loved life, but because she wanted more time with the family and loved ones who meant everything to her. 

Her illness may have changed the course of her life, but it never diminished her spirit, her creativity, or her capacity to love. 

Ericka was also a gifted and recognized artist whose creativity and passion left a lasting impression on the artistic community. Through her involvement with Envision, she became known for her beautiful artwork, particularly her ceramics, and had the honor of showcasing her creations in various art exhibitions. Her work was displayed and celebrated both locally and beyond, reflecting her remarkable talent, imagination, and perseverance.

 Art became another way for Ericka to share her beautiful spirit with the world. Each piece she created carried a part of her creativity, determination, and love. She leaves behind a collection of cherished artwork that will continue to tell her story, preserve her memory, and bring beauty into the lives of those who loved her. 

Her artistic legacy is a reminder that although her hands may now rest, the beauty they created will remain for generations to come. 

She truly loved living. She enjoyed traveling, trying new foods, discovering new experiences, meeting people, and embracing opportunities to learn something different. She approached life with curiosity, gratitude, and an open heart. 

Ericka was especially appreciative of the kindness others showed her. Whether someone gave her a thoughtful gift, a handwritten note, or a small keepsake, she treasured it. She lovingly held on to the things people gave her because, to Ericka, their value was never measured by their price, but by the love and thoughtfulness behind them. Every keepsake was a reminder of someone she loved and a memory she wanted to preserve.

 Among her greatest joys were the children in her family, whom she loved with all her heart. She was a nurturing, playful, and protective presence in their lives, and they adored her just as deeply.

 She delighted in taking the children to the zoo, spending afternoons at the park, creating arts and crafts, and sharing in the simple adventures of childhood. She treasured quiet moments just as much, including cuddling the little ones at night and making them feel safe, comfortable, and loved.

 To the children, Mema was more than a beloved aunt or family member. She was a source of happiness, comfort, adventure, and unconditional love. She gave them memories that will remain with them as they grow, and through those memories, her love will continue to surround them.

 Ericka leaves behind her beloved niece, Rizzo Johnson, whom she lovingly raised as her own daughter, and her cherished nephew, Micheal Sequoyah Johnson. She also leaves behind her beloved brothers, Shaun and Mario, along with many cherished family members, children, friends, coworkers, and countless others whose lives were touched by her love. 

Ericka’s devotion to family extended beyond this life. She often spoke lovingly of her beloved sister, Rhonda “Ronnie,” whose memory she carried close to her heart. The love she held for Ronnie never faded, and we find comfort in believing that the sisters are now reunited in God’s loving embrace. 

Although we mourn her passing, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the beautiful life she lived. 

Ericka’s greatest accomplishments cannot be measured solely by her years of service, her artistic achievements, or the recognition she received. Her greatest legacy lives in the people she loved, the children she nurtured, the friendships she cherished, and the countless hearts she made feel at home.

She taught us to appreciate life’s simple blessings, to hold our loved ones close, to welcome others without judgment, and to remain grateful for every act of kindness. 

She showed us that strength and gentleness can exist together, that beauty can be found even in difficult seasons, and that love is one of the greatest gifts we can leave behind.

 Like the sunflowers she loved so dearly, Ericka always found a way to turn toward the light. And in doing so, she became a light for everyone around her.

 Her passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our hearts, but her love remains woven into the lives of everyone who knew her. We will remember her beautiful smile, her joyful spirit, her unwavering faith, her protective nature, her artistic hands, and the warmth of her embrace. 

We will remember her in the laughter of children, in the beauty of a sunflower, in the little keepsakes she treasured, and in every act of kindness shared in her memory. 

Mema, you spent your life making sure others felt loved, protected, and never alone. You gave so many people a place in your heart, and you made your love feel like home. 

Now, as we learn to live without your physical presence, we will carry your sunshine within us.

 Rest peacefully, our beautiful Mema. Your fight is over, your love lives on, and your light will never fade. 

May you rest in God’s eternal peace, reunited with your beloved Ronnie and surrounded by everlasting love. 

Her life was a blessing. Her memory is a treasure. Her love is our forever home. 

Forever Our Sunshine. Forever Our Mema