Verna Johnson's Obituary
Verna Rae Snyder Johnson lived 92 years. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother, great-grandmother, a United States Air Force spouse, school teacher, volunteer, and sports fan. Born on August 2, 1932 in Cairo, Nebraska to Vern and Edna Snyder, Verna Rae was the oldest of four. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Keith, after he joined the USAF. Together, they traveled around the country and world as Air Force families do. Verna took great pride in being an Air Force wife, and her favorite stories to share with anyone who would listen was about packing and moving from base to base, often with three young children alone while her husband reported to duty. They moved 23 times in total!
Once a school teacher, always a school teacher, Verna would beam with pride when any of four grandchildren began reading and writing. She spent 38 years teaching first grade, and almost as many teaching Sunday School at various churches. She had a profound impact on her students, and when she finally retired, past and present students at Seminole Presbyterian School (now the Cambridge Christian School) lined up for miles to wish her well in her next chapter. “Mrs. Johnson was tough, but she cared about me.” was often heard from any student who was lucky enough to learn in her classroom.
Belonging to groups gave Verna purpose. She was an inaugural Buccaneer season-ticket holder and attended games until the new stadium was built. She was an active member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club for many years and was honored with “Club Woman of the Year” in 2007. She attended services at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church and then became a member of First Baptist Church of Lutz. She was fulfilled in her later years as a member of the community at Keystone Place where she regularly played cards, completed puzzles, or called weekly Bingo games.
Verna was a loyal friend and never spent time doing anything that she did not value. She was very proud of all the accomplishments of her family. She was a champion for furthering one’s education as a means to advance in a field. Verna held many to a high standard. With a tough exterior, Verna would often intimidate anyone of any age, but getting to know her meant that you learned she could be rather sweet on the inside. Verna Rae Snyder Johnson meant a lot to many, sometimes without ever knowing the impact she had on them.
What’s your fondest memory of Verna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Verna?
Share a story where Verna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Verna you’ll never forget.
How did Verna make you smile?