Clarise Johnson, 60, of Grinnell died Saturday, March 4, 2023, at UnityPoint Hospital-Grinnell. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm, on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Cox-Smith Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 12:00 pm on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the funeral home. Memorials in her name can be sent in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Cox-Smith Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clarise was born July 25, 1962, to Shahidah Muhammad in Chicago, Illinois. She was the oldest of thirteen children. She graduated from Corliss High School and attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. A chance meeting led to love and Clarise said "Yes". On May 8, 2000, Clarise married Johnny Johnson in Chicago. She wore many hats, she worked in the health care field for several years, worked at Brownells, was a babysitter, drove for Uber and was a chauffeur for Grinnell College. Her family said she usually had the answer to any problem you might have. Clarise was always there when you needed her. Her memory will forever be cherished.

Clarise will be remembered by her husband, Johnny Johnson of Grinnell; three sons, Amir  Johnson, Shafeeq Johnson and Rasheed (Kaitlynn) Johnson, all of Grinnell; six grandchildren, Maya, Lincoln, Jakir, Kingston, Adyson and Jayden; nine sisters, Michelle Keyes, Barbara Malone, Margie, Nicholson, Debra Hall,  Maryam Malone, Paula Malone, Ngina Malone, Jameelah Muhmmad, and Shahidah Muhammad; one brother, William Malone; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shahidah Muhammad and two brothers, Randy Levell and Musa Ali Muhammad.