Kelsey Vantè Johnson was, age 42, unexpectedly passed away on Friday,
March 17, 2023, at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Kelsey was born February 28, 1981, in Tupelo, Mississippi to James
Knowles, Steve Johnson and Alice Johnson. He was a 1999 graduate of
Tupelo High School. Shortly after graduation, Kelsey attended and
graduated in 2004 from University of Southern Mississippi in
Hattiesburg, MS with a Bachelor of Science in Science and Technology.
Later, he went to work for the Salvation Army in Tupelo, Mississippi
where he devoted 10 years.
Kelsey was an inspiring caregiver to his mother. He loved to grill and
spend time with his family, known as the “Rib Smoker King” to most of
his friends/family. He enjoyed watching football and basketball with
Philadelphia Eagle being his favorite.
He was preceded in death by his sister Gennie Millier, grandfather JP
Tucker, cousin Tyronza Ashby, aunts Marilyn Ashby and Mary Arnold
He leaves to cherish his memory: a dedicated and devoted mother Alice
Johnson, fathers James Knowles and Steve Johnson of Tupelo, MS; six
sisters: Kimberly Johnson of Dallas, Tx, Komekia Johnson-Young of
Houston, TX, Tiara Bolden of Tupelo, MS, Octavia Knowles of Tupelo,
MS, Natasha Garmon of Tupelo, MS, Tracy Garmon (Doss) of Tupelo,
MS……. Three brothers; Idris Johnson (Lorraine) of Memphis, TN, Ken
Trice, and Waylon Miller both of Tupelo, MS; several special cousins;
James Ashby, Sam Satterwhite, Ada Ruff, Ashley Ruff, Jeremiah Fields,
and Brandon Robinson; best friend (brother) Brad Calvert. He also has a
host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.
