Velma L. Johnson

Velma L. Johnson Lansing Mrs. Velma "Hips" Johnson was born February 24, 1929 in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of Amon White and Essie Craig. She spent the majority of her life making a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She really enjoyed cooking for her family and she liked to read in her spare time. Everyone who knew Hips, loved her dearly and enjoyed being around her. She had a big heart, a beautiful smile and a generous spirit. She has been a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Velma stated that her favorite scriptures are St. Matthew 7-1: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" and Luke 6-37: "Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Harold Johnson; son, Ivan Horton; granddaughters, Lisa Horton and Valeresse Horton; grandson, Sterling Horton; parents, Amos and Essie White; sister, Laura Calhoun; two brothers, Vernon and Arthur White. She departed this life on August 7, 2013. Surviving to cherish her memories are her children, John (Patricia) Horton, Essie Horton, Michelle Beard, all residents of Lansing and Maxine Toms of Marion, IN; grandchildren, Anjenett Horton, Felicia (Roderick) Thomas, Ivan Horton, Jr., Mattie Horton, Tony Curry, Jr., Tawoyn Curry, LaToyia (Curtis) Burgos, Erika Beard; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great- grandchildren; 2 brothers-in-law, Clemson (Barbara) Calhoun and Clementine Johnson; sister-in-law, Cozette White; loving friends, William "Billy" Aldridge, Victoria "Vicky" McKinstry, Midge Taylor; and a host of other family members and friends. Mrs. Johnson will lie in repose Tuesday, August 13, 11am - 9 pm, at the Riley Funeral Home, 426 W. St. Joseph Street, Lansing. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 14, 1 pm, at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 500 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Lansing. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the funeral. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com