Johnna Gilman Slocum

On Thursday, April 6, 2023, Johnna Leigh (Gilman) Slocum died in Burlington, Kansas, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 46 years old.

Johnna was born on April 7, 1976, in Pueblo, Colorado. She graduated from Centennial High School in 1994. She studied Criminal Justice at University of Southern Colorado (now CSU-Pueblo) and Pueblo Community College.

Johnna grew up at Pueblo's drag strip (Pueblo Motorsports Park, or PMI as many called it) and worked there for many years starting at a young age and always had a fondness for drag racing. She bought a 1969 Chevelle in high school with the hopes of becoming a drag racer but sadly never got to compete with it.

Also, while in high school she was part of Pueblo Pride City Marching Band's Color Guard for 5 summers. She attained the rank of Captain during her last year of eligibility and being able to accept the 1994 Colorado State Fair Parade first place trophy for Pikes. She said she'd do those 5 summers over again as they were the best summers of her life.

She became a first-time mom in January 2002 with the birth of her daughter, Adrina Brianne then welcomed son Trayce Wayne in January 2005.

In 2006 she was diagnosed with MS and battled that before being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2011. She faced both challenges head on. In 2013 the family moved to Kansas where she enjoyed watching her kids grow up. Her cancer metastasized in 2018 and she fought on until she could no longer do so without assistance. She was moved into an assisted living facility in 2020 where she continued her fight and inspired and encouraged her caretakers and other residents.

She was promoted to grandma in August of 2021 when her daughter gave birth to a son, Drake Anthony.

Johnna was preceded in death by mother Patricia Gilman, maternal grandmother Mary Smith and paternal grandmother Dorathy Gibson.

Johnna is survived by her father, Jay Gilman (Sharon) of Shelbyville, Michigan; her daughter Adrina; son Trayce; brother Bill Gilman (Antoinette) of Pueblo, Colorado; twin sister Tamora Gilman of Otsego, Michigan; nephews Race Gilman and Kyle Greensweight, both of Pueblo, Colorado; and grandson Drake Anthony.

A graveside service will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Humboldt, Kansas. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Johnna Slocum Memorial Fund and can be left in the care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .