A few days ago, sad-eyed Lessiter Media staffers said our goodbyes to Amy Johnson at her funeral. She will certainly be missed by members of our crew and the many friends she made among the audiences we serve.

Serving as our American Farriers Journal's client services and International Hoof-Care Summit Trade Show manager, Amy passed away in late August after a courageous 3-year battle with lung and brain cancer. (She’d be quick to add she was always a non-smoker, by the way.)

A dedicated and valuable member of the Lessiter Media family, Amy earned the respect of hundreds of folks she worked closely with from around the world.

She had a charming smile, a surprisingly and edgy sense of humor and was always aware of the pains and struggles of others. Our prayers go out to husband, Michael, and daughter, Emily, and two big brothers (Dale and John).

As family members described so well, Amy possessed a captivating blend of unique charm and playful quirkiness, with just the right touch of edge and sass. Simple things brought her great joy, most often shared with family and friends.

Amy Lyn Johnson
1970-2025

Served Many All-Important Roles

As Lessiter Media President Mike Lessiter points out, Amy was part of our Lessiter Media crew for 19 of its 44 years (our 5th most tenured staffer) and played a key role in our small-company culture. 

Multi-talented, she pivoted many times to different roles, pitching in wherever needed. The many fond memories — and the lasting relationships she built with everyone she worked with  — will remain with us for generations.

Professionally, Amy was highly dedicated to her customers, teammates and our company. She could do it all and she did over the past 2 decades — purchasing, project management, ad trafficking, editorial (in a technical subject area no less), advertising/exhibit/sponsorship sales, Trade Show management and much more. 

Always willing to assume the call into the unfamiliar — and sometimes uncomfortable — territory where her many talents were needed. She also popularized the phrase, “Teamwork makes the dream work,” which her team will continue to live by each day and try to measure up to in her absence. We owe it to her — and we’ll do it. 

Breath of Fresh Air

As retired American Farriers Journal sales manager and International Hoof-Care Summit Trade Show director Alice Musser told me a few days ago, Amy was a breath of fresh around our offices. From her first day in 2006, her sense of humor and wit made every day shine a little brighter. 

In the nearly two decades she spent as an important member of our Lessiter Media team, like all of us, Amy faced a few minor goofs. Jokingly, she would tell others that none would lead to her being fired, believing I’d step in and save her. Fortunately, such a decision never had to be made, but if it had…

“Yes, Amy, I would have saved you….” 

I know she’ll enjoy her days in heaven as much as the days spent here on earth — days she made better for everyone. We’ll miss you deeply, Amy, but are thankful for the joy — and the legacy — you’ve had on our lives.

NOTE: To view many of the tributes and memories from friends and co-workers of Amy, click here.