Kristi Michelle Johnson was born in Austin, Texas on September 11, 1970. She is the daughter of William (Bill) and Drusilla (Dru) Johnson. She is survived by her husband Brian and their children; Joshua and his wife Katy, Caleb and his wife Caitlin, and Rachel. She is also survived by her brother Brad, by many members of her beloved extended family, and by countless friends.
Attending Pflugerville ISD in her K-12 years, Kristi was known for her kind spirit, sharp intellect, and strong basketball and shot-put skills. She was raised in a close-knit family, with her grandmother, Doris Koonsen, ensuring that the extended family gathered regularly, particularly for robust Easter celebrations. She grew up at the Cameron Road Church of Christ, loved and inspired by many mentors in the faith.
After graduating from Pflugerville High School in 1989, Kristi matriculated to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, but drove the short way down I-35 to the University Avenue Church of Christ in Austin to broaden her circle of Christian friends. On a Sunday in August of 1989, she met Brian Starr at University Avenue, and they began dating. Following Brian's graduation from the University of Texas MBA program, the two married on June 13, 1992. Kristi graduated from the University of Texas in 1993 with her Bachelor's of Arts degree. She then began her high school teaching career right back at Pflugerville High School, teaching English and German with such alacrity that she was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1998.
Kristi and Brian were blessed with three amazing children. Kristi sacrificed early career opportunities to stay at home with the kids during their most formative years and invest her full-time efforts into their spiritual and intellectual formation. Though all born in Austin, they were raised in Lubbock where the family moved in 2003, and they were gifted with a mother who poured faith, love, and learning into them from their earliest days.
Once Rachel reached elementary age, Kristi returned to full-time work at O.L. Slaton Middle School in Lubbock. Having obtained her Master of Library Science degree in 2010 from the University of North Texas, Kristi translated her lifelong love of books into her career pivot to the library. She served as Librarian at O.L. Slaton, Coronado High School, and Mustang High School, and blessed countless young lives with sage counsel on book selection, and a listening ear for those in need. She taught as an adjunct faculty member for the Master of Library Science program at UNT. She also lent her leadership and expertise to professional organizations in her field, serving in multiple leadership capacities at the Texas Library Association and Texas Computer Education Association.
Kristi was more physically fit than almost anyone who knew her. She taught various fitness courses throughout her adult life, touching countless lives in that way. And in her 30's she became a runner, eventually of marathons. Her favorites were the Disney marathons and the Marine Corp. marathon, but she enjoyed running venues all across the country.
Kristi is a person of deep faith. When Brian took on the campus minister role at the University Avenue Church of Christ and an elder role at the Monterey Church of Christ, Kristi was unfailingly at his side to minister and lead right beside him. After their move to Edmond, Oklahoma in 2023, Kristi and Brian became active members of the Memorial Road Church of Christ, and Kristi's comments in her beloved Bible class and Small group were always personal and insightful. Thus it seems fitting that after her brutal ten-month battle with cancer, she was taken to the arms of the Lord at noon on Easter Sunday as the Christian world paused to remember that Jesus has risen, death is defeated, and our present sufferings are nothing in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. We will miss her more than words can express. But we look forward to the day we will be reunited with her in the presence of the Lord forever.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Mustang High School in Mustang, Oklahoma, the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma, or the Monterey Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas.
A reception is being held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present to honor Kristi on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at Memorial Road Church Of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. Click on the link to watch the service.
https://www.youtube.com/live/cMitC7bliu0?si=Wy39DtSanTzzuD5t