Obituary of Kela Temeka (Johnson) Searcy

Kela Temeka (Johnson) Searcy (July 6, 1974 - August 29, 2021)

Kela Temeka (Johnson) Searcy, 47, of Columbia, South Carolina peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Irmo, South Carolina after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Kela was born July 6, 1974, in Marianna, AR to McKinley Johnson Jr., and Kathleen Johnson (Gist). Kela completed general subjects’ secondary education in Americus, GA and was completing a certificate as a nurse assistant.

Kela confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Friendship M.B. Church in Rondo. Kela was also involved in church activities including being a member of Christ Central Ministries, Inc. South Carolina. While attending church, she enthusiastically praised God through songs of worship.

Kela enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her many friends. While swimming with family, she cherished the water and pool side activities. She was an excellent swimmer. Kela appreciated the art of singing and dancing. Singing was Kela’s first love, her passion, the secret to her energy. Kela was an avid reader; finding reading both pleasurable and relaxing, reading was one of her favorite hobbies. She was passionate about organizing and customizing living spaces. Regarding playing card games and dominos, Kela’s enthusiasm rose to the occasion. Her kindness, positivity, humor, and lighthearted nature were infectious.

Kela was preceded in death by her father McKinley "Bug" Johnson Jr.

Left to honor Kela’s memory, her loving mother, Kathleen Johnson, two sons; Kyrie Johnson, Timmie Searcy, Jr., two daughters; Ajayla Johnson, Yasmin Johnson, and 4 grandchildren: D’Aysia Johnson, MaKyrie Ashford, Logan Johnson and Journii Johnson.

Kela is also remembered by her brothers, Michael Johnson (Diana), Carey Johnson, Maurice Johnson (Janeth), Kevin Poole, William Woodson, Michael Harris, Raymond Gant, Myron Johnson; adored sisters Minister Hazel Davis (Clarence), Teresa Brown (Fred), Erica Wiggins, Tanganyika Johnson, Ramona Gant; dearly loved Lisa Parker-Lee (Everett), Minister Robert Watts (Mona), Omegia Keeys-Harden (Dexter), Cetra Hughes; life-long treasured friend of 26 years Tamatha McLead; good friend Timmie Searcy, Sr., cherished cousin Alex Meeks, Jr. and many other friends and relatives.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.southcarolinacremation.com