Ivonne Monica Johnson

She was born to be a teacher, on July 22, 1935, in the city of Colon, Republic of Panama. Samuel Machado & Irma Caton, her parents preceded her in death.

Ivonne fulfilled her childhood dream when she graduated from the “Escuela Normal Juan Demostenes Arosemena” in Santiago, Veraguas, province of the Republic of Panama.

She immediately started her professional career at the “Escuela de Almirante” in Bocas del Toro, while traveling swamp waters just for the love of teaching. She also taught at “Escuela de Rio Hato”, Instituto Pan Americano and at the Instituto Pedagogico in Panama. During those years, she furthered her studies at the University of Michigan and the University of Panama, where she earned her Certificate of Proficiency in English and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Elementary Education. Also, Ivonne was an Alumni of TSU (an Historically Black University-HBCU in Houston, Texas).

Ivonne was selected by the Ministry of Education to work with five other teachers to set a nationwide English Curriculum for all Middle Schools in the Republic of Panama. Professor Johnson has had the privilege of seeing some of her former students emerge as successful professionals. To name a few, ex-Panamanian Consul of Houston Alcinar Cajar; Daniel Kuzniecky, former Chairman of the Panama Canal Authority ( ACP ) board 2007 thru 2009; Ex- Congressman of the National Assembly of Panama, Pedro Miguel Gonzalez & Ex-President of the Republic of Panama Martin Torrijos. Also, ex-students who reside in Houston that remained in touch with her on a regular basis are Daniela “Ivonne” Mora, Diosnel Mosquera & Angie Talley who resides in Norway.

Ivonne was also involved with the Latin American Civic Council as Secretary and Treasurer and was a charter member of the NAACP-Panama Canal Area. During her tenure in Texas, she was named by the Houston Area Association for Bilingual Teachers as “Distinguished Teacher” in 1989. In 1990 she was inducted into the 1st Edition of “Who is Who Among America’s Teachers” (page 375). She was also a member of the Houston Federation of Teachers until retiring in 1995. Ivonne also taught for over 10 years at James D. Ryan Elem. School, where she was named Bilingual Teacher of the year in 1995. She was also a bilingual teacher at the New Light Christian Center Church Academy in Houston. Ivonne also ran for office during the 2nd Election for the Assembly Representative of the Pacific side against Mariela Hoyte, and although not victorious, she influenced these elections tremendously by demonstrating her resolve to better the quality of life for her community. She was also awarded the Houston Association of Panamanians Pathfinder & Trailblazer Award in 2007.

Ivonne was married to the late Eugene A. Johnson and they had 4 beautiful children, Monica Ivonne Johnson-King ( residing in Panama ); Gina Ines; Eugenio (Pipo), who preceded her in death and Danilo Eduardo. Son-in-law Raymond (Monica) & daughter-in-law Dayna ( Pipo ). She is also survived by 2 sisters Gayle (Kitchie) Kellyman & Vinessa (Titia) Machado; 2 granddaughters Orianna & Ayana; 3 great-grandchildren Aneesia & R.J. ( Orianna ) & baby Jaylei, (Ayana ). Ivonne also leaves a host of nieces, nephews & cousins she loved very much in Panama & the USA, among which is the Honorable Ex-President of Panama’s Supreme Court, Graciela Dixon. Also, brother’s-in-law Eduardo & Stanley Ford.

Ivonne’s teaching philosophy was the following: Education can’t be considered as a monetary derivative, but as a tool needed by youngsters of all ages, which should enable them to become better citizens and better leaders.