Obituary

Vernell Johnson

September 28, 1941 - April 24, 2025

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid
up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."   2 Timothy 4:7-8

Bro. Vernell Johnson, a loving father, grandfather, brother, and most of all, a devoted servant of God, passed away on April 24, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, La surrounded by his family.

Bro. Vernell was born September 28, 1941 to the late Silas and Hollis Johnson. He was one of eight children. On January 28, 1961, he married the love of his life, the late Maxine Warner Johnson, and together they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage. He was a devoted and hardworking provider for his family, always putting their needs first.

Bro. Vernell was a generous man who gave freely and helped anyone he could in their time of need. He found great joy in visiting patients in nursing homes as well as those in the community who were sick and shut in. He was well known for his sharp style and love for the finer things in life, always taking pride in dressing well and driving nice cars. His family will fondly remember him by his well-known phrase, “I’m not trying to get in your business, but I said I would tell you,” a saying that reflected both his honesty and his genuine care for others.

Bro. Vernell was a member of the Water Valley Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Howard E. Quillen Jr. With a heart fully devoted to God, he lived out his faith daily, often sharing the words of his favorite verse, Acts 2:38.

Bro. Vernell leaves to cherish his memories, two sons, Perry (Cassandra) Johnson, Sr. of Fayetteville, NC and Richard (Denise) Johnson of Franklinton, LA; four daughters, Cheryl (Albert) Wilson of Pearland, TX, LaKeitha (Eld. Sterling) Halley, Deniqua (Keltron) Hewitt, and LaTonyette (Andra) Wilson all of Franklinton, La; one sister, Freddie Mae Magee of Franklinton, La; four brothers, Sylvester (Patricia) Johnson of Houston, TX; Silas Johnson, Jr. of Williamsport, PA, Donald Ray (Janis) Johnson and Roy Dale (Vickie) Johnson of Rochester, NY;  sister-in-law, Mary Robinson; brother-in-law, Bobby Dillon; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Bro. Vernell was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Johnson; daughters, Sheila Sims and Phyllis Johnson; granddaughter, Angel Hewitt; great-grandson, Blaze Stewart; parents, Silas and Hollis Johnson; sister, Vivian Dillon; brother, Kenneth Johnson; son-in-law, David Sims; father and mother- in-law, Tommie and Aretha Warner and special cousin, Michael Ray Johnson.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 3:00PM – 6:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00AM at Water Valley Church of God in Christ 32077 Hwy 438, Franklinton, LA with Bishop Howard E. Quillen, Jr. - Pastor Officiating. Interment will be held at Hayes United Methodist Church Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.