Vernelia Dolores Johnson

Ms. Vernelia Dolores Johnson entered this world on April 1, 1927, to Reginald Jonson and Lucille Swift in Chicago, Illinois. She went to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the home of her grandson in Lawrenceville, Ga.

Vernelia was educated in Chicago. She was always bright a very smart progressive woman. She was a trailblazer. She attended Holloway High School graduating in the class of 1945 and went on to Tennessee State University in 1946-1949. She continued her education by attending the University of Chicago, majoring in Sociology and Psychiatry and achieving a 4.0 GPA from 1994-1996.

She adopted a baby girl Maria, raising her as a single mom.

Vernelia loved Lord she was a Christian that not only walked the walk but talked the talk. She was united with Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Sabina African American Catholic Church where she maintains her membership with her grandson under the leadership of Father Michael Pfleger.

Vernelia was a fighter, she marched and picketed for the rights of others. She pioneered in the civil rights movement in Chicago. She joined Bread Baskets which later became Operation P.U.S.H. in 1967. She was also a member of the women’s auxiliary Board in the late 60’s, one of the 3 eldest members still today. She maintained friendship with Ms. Bettie Maqus, Ms. Burma Green from P.U.S.H. She was the morning announcer of a live radio broadcast with Rev. Jesse Jackson. Vernelia worked for the State of Illinois for over 25 years before she retired. After her retirement she and her grandson moved back to Tennessee where she joined Ivy Baptist Memorial Church in 2010.

Vernelia was preceded in death by both her parents and brothers, Alfred Johnson, Vernon Johnson, Bracey Wood, uncles, Rev. Lawrence and wife, Lucille Johnson, Frank and Roy Johnson, Freeland Bracey, Deborah Mitchell, first cousin, Ms. Annie Pearl Bracey, Bill & Bob Bracey, Louida Bracey Williams and Aunt Mary Bracey.

She leaves behind, daughter, Maria Jo, sister, Wanda Norwood and son, niece, Ms. Diane Johnson and first cousin Sister, Ms. Erma Bracey and Ms. Elanor Bracey, cousin Rev. Ralph Johnson, Dr. Roy Johnson Dr. Sharon Cobb, and a host of family and friends.

Grandchildren, Marcus Johnson, Gabrielle Johnson, Brandon Johnson, great-grandchildren, Rhiley H. Brielle, Jr., Hailey J, Levi W, Kaylee J., Lola Rose W.,