Beverly Johnson

Beverly Maxine Johnson 85, of Coffeyville passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville Oklahoma. She was born on August 14, 1931 in Coffeyville to E.A. and Clara (Ambrose) Johnson. Beverly grew up and attended school in Coffeyville graduating from Field Kindley High School in 1949 and continued her education at Coffeyville Community College.

Beverly moved to California in the late 1950's and went to work for the NHRA where she stayed for 22 years and developed a safe driving program for teen drivers. Beverly knew everyone from 60's and 70's drag racing on a first named basis as her friends. She was one of the first women inducted into the NHRA Hall of Fame and she was interviewed at length in the documentary of the origins of drag racing called "Gathering Speed". Beverly along with Tex Smith founded the International Car Club Association and has been bestowed with many other honors. Beverly was a titan of the drag racing world helping shape it's future from its inception! From there she went to work for Griffin Printing where she edited a Sunday TV supplement for 28 small newspapers then moved on to a job at the Los Angeles Times as a computer programmer in TV editorial where she remained until retirement in 1989 and returned home to be with family.

Survivors include son Donnie Miller of Tennessee, three brothers, Bob Johnson of Paola, Gary Johnson of Hutchinson, and Larry Johnson of Coffeyville; and two sisters, Joan Garrison of Coffeyville, Deloris Johnson of Coffeyville and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, E.A and Clara Johnson and brother Jim Johnson.

Following Beverly's wishes cremation has taken place under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel and no services are planned at this time. To leave the family a message of condolence please visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com