Velma M. Johnson

June 24, 1938 - March 15, 2021

Velma Marie “Prett” Johnson was born June 24, 1938 in Hazlehurst, MS. She was the sixth and youngest child born to Sally Ann Shannon Rembert. Velma gained the nickname “Prett”, which was short for “Pretty Girl”, most her life she was known and called that name by family and friends. Prett left Mississippi in 1955 and went to St. Louis, MO to live with her older sister Jessie Mae and her husband Bernard Edwards. She attended Summer High School for her 10th grade year and then returned to MS. During her break wrote her cousin Prosine in Detroit, MI and asked if she could live with her and attend school there, Prosine agreed. Prett left Mississippi around August, 1956 in route to Detroit. In 1957, Prett graduated from high school in Detroit, by that time her mom had moved to New Orleans, LA so she joined her there. Through a chance encounter, Prett’s mom Sally (Shannon) Rembert met Leroy Johnson, Jr. of Jena, LA, after showing him a graduation picture of her daughter Prett, Leroy said “Mrs. Sally, I’m going to marry that girl”. After meeting Velma and several years later, he did just that…. they married in December 29, 1964. Velma was married to the love of her life for 42 years. Leroy was a lifelong United States Air Force serviceman (MSgt Ret). Military life afforded them the opportunity to travel around the world and live in many different places. They spent time living in the countries of Istanbul, Turkey and London, England and various US states. In November, 1979 they choose to settle down in Denver, CO. During their travels they met many wonderful people and developed many meaningful lifelong relationships. Velma worked as a civilian employee for the Department of Defense for many years in Denver until she retired to give her undivided attention to Leroy during his convalescence and eventual demise in December 29, 2006, their 42nd wedding anniversary. Although Leroy and Prett didn’t have any biological children of their own, however, they always had an active interest and involvement in the lives of their many nieces, nephews and cousins, even allowing them to stay in their home throughout the years. Family was important to Prett, whenever she was able, she would attend the Shannon Family Reunion in Hazlehurst, MS. Velma was a devoted and loving wife, aunt, sister-in-law and friend who was dedicated to her family and friends. Velma wrote concerning her life along with Leroy “We tried to live our lives in a way that we would not be ashamed to write home about it…and God blessed us to do that”. She will be greatly missed by all. Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Johnson, Jr.; mother, Sallie Ann (Shannon) Rembert; sisters, Jessie Mae (Rembert) Edwards and Thelma (Shannon) Magee; brothers, James Thomas Rembert, Leroy Shannon, and Eddie Lee Shannon. She leaves to cherish her memories her sister-in-law, Mattie Shannon, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. All of whom she loved dearly. Picture of full: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4U9Uio5DgtapAudd8 PDF Copy: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AqqrtW9i0vdLgvkPYoBCRGZYhk4XUw