Johnny McDonnell Spreading Ashes of LeonLifer at Leon Russell's Grave & The Church Studio

On December 30, 2022, Johnny McDonnell tragically died in a house fire at his home in Long Island, New York. "Johnny Blues" was the fearless leader of the LeonLifers, a super fan group of the late Leon Russell. As the unofficial "president," Johnny was dearly loved by thousands of Leon Russell fans around the country and internationally. Not long before his death, he asked permission to spread the ashes of a fellow LeonLifer, Larry Fennell, at The Church Studio and at Leon Russell's grave site in Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Although this touching piece was intended to pay tribute to Larry's life well lived and for his last wishes concerning his ashes to be carried out, it also turned out to be the last video content of Johnny captured by The Church Studio.
On Facebook, posted by The Church Studio on January 2, 2023: "Our precious Johnny McDonnell unexpectedly passed away over the weekend. We are devastated by the news with no words to describe our grief. Johnny was the fearless leader of the Leon Russell's LeonLifers (super fans) and was loved by so many. From the beginning; he embraced us here at the Church and unconditionally welcomed us into the LeonLifer fold. We'll never forget our remarkable friend."
Barbie Williams, the executor of Larry's last will and testament, arranged for Johnny McDonnell to bring the ashes to Tulsa, Oklahoma and spread them at two locations: Memorial Park Cemetery, near the Leon Russell grave site, and at The Church Studio, the historic recording studio made famous by Leon Russell in 1972. Today, The Church Studio is a fully functional analog and digital recording studio, public cultural site, and museum.
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[@williamharrison2456]

Bless Johnny’s heart always💙🌹🌅❣️

[@nancybarnum3493]

Thank you Teresa for posting this. There will never be another Larry Fennell nor will there ever be another Johnnyblues. Legends, both who will be sorely missed by their Leonlifer family. RIP, both of you

[@gelflingsupervisor]

This was very moving on so many different levels; rest in peace, Johnny, Larry, and Leon.

[@greanteawoman]

Thank you Teresa. So much love. 💐💔💐

[@rsp60048]

I found the Lifers a week after Rick Colburn passed, what an emotional time for the Lifers back then, very similar to this week with the loss of our beloved Johnny Blues. Larry Fennel and I hit off from the start, besides our love for Leon we shared a mutual love of Lady Vols Basketball and Coach Summitt. Until we are all together again on that distant shore.

[@ronveit9856]

Nice video of Johnny Blues...thank you for sharing this with all the Lifers! Rest In Peace Johnny!

[@TulsaGirlForever]

Beloved Johnny Blues....you're already missed & left all of us heartbroken. You really stepped up & kept these wonderful Leon Lifers moving forward & living their lives w/o Leon, (and Honey) of coarse they were willing to keep the faith! You RIP my buddy, I'm treasuring the short 1 year I knew you, even more I treasure the phone calls we've had since last Spring. I never met Larry Fennell, but if he was a dedicated LL'r, he was certainly a wonderful guy.
Hugs to all you long time Lifers, I share your heartbreak but it surely is but a sliver of yours. Thank you Church Studio for posting this.... ❣~ Lanette Giese

[@bobcox9064]

Thank you Teresa for putting this on your channel. How fitting it was for Johnny to spread some of Larry’s ashes at the Church grounds and at Leon’s site. Perhaps a little bit of Johnny (if he is cremated) can join Larry F. there in the future.
Thanks again for everything Teresa! ❤

[@LeonLiferMike]

Words elude me in expressing the gratitude I have for this being created and shared. Ironically, me, Johnny, Sue Carlson, Nancy Barnum, Donna Matthews, and Barby Williams were with Larry at the end. Johnny's untimely passing leaves a deep pain.

[@GLD-hopeful]

❤️

[@debralyman135]

May they all rest in peace. We love you all

[@vickicamp9808]

We miss them..... ❤

[@dhrake7172]

Oh dear Johnny……

[@TheChurchStudio]

It's still so shocking to even think that this could have happened. He had so much life still in him.

[@vickicamp9808]

Again Teresa
This is EPIC