Clinton Johnson was born in Homer, Louisiana, to Anna Ollie Johnson and McHenry Reed.  As a young child, he was reared by his grandmother, Minnie Ruth Johnson, and her family.  Later around the age of 12, he moved to Magnolia, Arkansas, and lived with his mother, Anna Ollie Johnson. He committed his life to Jesus Christ when he was a youth.  His early education was in the Magnolia School System where he graduated from Magnolia High School with honors.  His favorite teacher was his English teacher.  He wanted to play football and basketball, but coaches did not allow him to play because they said he was too small to participate.  He moved from Magnolia, Arkansas to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to attend A.M. & N College.  He majored in Biology and was an honor student.  Clinton met his wife, Shirley Oglesby Smith while in college.  They married on January 13, 1966, at the KCMO courthouse.  They have three sons, Kenneth, Elijah, and Armon; and one daughter, LaShonne.  Kenneth graduated from Medical School at UMKC, University of Houston, and USC.  Elijah obtained a MBA and now teaches and performs in Germany.  LaShonne graduated from Cornell University and UC Berkley Law School in California, now practicing in Houston, Texas. Armon, received his B.S. degree from Lincoln University located in Jefferson City, Missouri. He majored in Information Computer Systems. Armon is a businessman. He is an entrepreneur of two businesses, the Director's Cut I and Director's II. His first business is located in the historic Jazz District in KCMO, and the second is at the KCI Airport.

Conferred upon Clinton were many lifetime accomplishments.  He received a B.S. from AM&N/UAPB in 1964.  He attended UMKC School of Dentistry in 1974, where he received a degree in Dental Surgery (DDS). Clinton practiced Dentistry for over 40 years.  His patients and staff were to him like a second family.  Clinton's friend and lifetime dental partner, Dr. Lawrence Shine, helped to make this practice a pleasant environment for all. When Dr. Shine retired, Clinton realized that Dr. Shine's office staff needed jobs. Therefore, he continued to employ some of them even though this created a personal financial hardship for him.

All of Clinton's dear patients that I have had the pleasure to meet over the years, describe Dr. Johnson as the "Painless Dentist." Clinton practiced Dentistry full-time yet, he found the time to join the Army National Guard as a Captain and later became a Major.

Clinton was a Freedom Fighter during his college years.  Throughout his life he received numerous awards for outstanding service; Freedom Award, Best Father Award, Best Grandfather Award, Men of Distinction Community Award from Friends of Yates, The Harriet Tubman Freedom Award, A Community Award from Friendship Baptist Church, Best Bar-B-Que Award; First place golfer in the B-Flight; Multiple golf trophies and ribbons; He participated in the Johnson Family Golf Tournament for 22 years. Clinton loved the game of golf and he excelled in this sport. He was a skillful repairman. If anything was broken around the house he could fix it.  He was a brilliant man!

For many years Clinton attended Friendship Baptist Church.  However, during the last few years of his illness, he was unable to attend as he so desired. He was an usher, a church greeter, and a God-Fearing man.  In his early years, he was a dedicated member of the Friendship Choir. He had a beautiful voice and he was known by the Smiths and Johnsons as a family king leader and a gentle giant. The Smith family loved him dearly.  Clinton was generous, loved people, and had a great sense of humor. He was brave, organized, and a regimented soldier in the army of the LORD!!!

He leaves to cherish his memory many who love and adore him; his beloved wife, Shirley E. Oglesby Smith-Johnson; sons, Kenneth Johnson, Elijah A.A. Salaah, and Armon Lasker; daughter, LaShonne R. Watts; sister, Glenda Ruth (Weldon);  uncle, Artis Johnson (Aunt Lil); aunts, Maxine Finley and Ruthel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Clinton was also held dear by a wide circle of extended family and friends: Life long partner, Dr. Lawrence Shine (Shiree); former daughter-in-laws, Stacey and Cheryl, Ms. Nohemy Duran and Tatjana Burow. Thank you all for your love and support.

Grandchildren: Kanoa Christian Johnson; Kaimana Christian Johnson, Isaiah Johnson Salaah, Jada Salaah, Xavier Salaah, Ashton Smith; Ariannah D. Lasker, Armon a Lasker, Jr, and Alijah D. Lasker; Kanoa graduated with honors from Graceland University in Lamoni, IA (April 28, 2024); Isaiah attends JCCC in Kansas and Ariannah attends Grand Canyon University in Arizona; Kaimana graduated in June 2024 in Los Angeles, CA.

Brother/Sister In Laws: Lillie B., Hattie Esther, Leroy (Ann) Gloria Jean(Larry) Norma A. (Michael), Carl (Jackie), Victor, Joyce, Paul (Edelma), and Anthony (Coretta).

Your comforting expressions of sympathy will always be remembered with deep gratitude. A special thank you to everyone who assisted me during Clinton's illness.  Thanks so much to those who visited and sent cards, gifts, and well wishes. Please know that the Johnson-Smith family sincerely appreciates your many prayers.

Thoughtful care and service provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.