Velma Dorlene Johnson

Velma Dorlene Johnson was born November 7, 1924 to Virgle L. & Daisy (Chaney) Taylor. She went to be with the Lord on May 24, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Vernal W. Johnson, her parents, four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Margaret and Rudy Araza of Tucson, AZ, Norman and Leslie Johnson of Greeley, CO and Barbara and Randy Livengood of Norman, OK; 8 grandchildren and their spouses, Kari and Stan Abraham, Mischel Wirthman all of Phoenix, AZ, Brandy and Tommy Wheatley of Yukon, OK, Lindsay and Nick Cargal of Choctaw, OK, Jessica and Chris Dieken of Fort Collins, CO, Aaron Araza of Tucson, AZ, Jason and Antoinette Johnson of Greeley, Co and Holly Livengood of Portland, OR; 6 great grandchildren, Stephanie Wirthman, Adam Wirthman, Wesley Abraham, and Rachel Abraham all of Phoenix, AZ, Garin and Gage Wheatley of Yukon, OK. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-laws, Ernie and Bonnie Taylor, Doris Taylor of Kansas City, MO, Quentin Clark of Raytown, MO, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of wonderful friends.

Velma faithfully served the Lord beside her husband during the 40 years he was a minister to churches in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. She spent most of her life as a homemaker who loved taking care of her family. She enjoyed serving others, sewing, and spent a lot of time canning, baking, and cooking. Nothing made her happier than having her family or friends gathered for a delicious homemade meal. Velma was famous for her homemade noodles, salmon patties, and pickled beets. And it goes without saying, her homemade desserts like divinity, peanut brittle, angel food cake, and homemade pies were loved and requested by all. Velma spent numerous hours teaching her friends and family to play dominoes, Skip-Bo, Scrabble, and Chinese Checkers. More times than not, she would win, since she usually was the scorekeeper!

Outside of the home, Velma worked as a clerk at Pamida Discount Store in Papillion, NE and TG&Y in Oklahoma City, OK. She also cooked numerous meals for the senior citizens while they lived in Big Cabin, OK. In 1999, she and Vernal retired and moved to Moore, OK where they became active members of Community Christian Church. They also continued traveling and they made it to 48 of the 50 United States. She was always the driver while Vernal navigated their destinations.

Velma was a dedicated Christian woman who set an example to her family and friends. While she will be deeply missed by all, she has left a lasting imprint on the hearts of all she met.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Velma’s honor to the Cookson Hills Christian School in Kansas, OK.

Many thanks to the home health aides, the staff at Southridge Assisted Living center, the nurses and staff at Integris Hospice House and the many doctors and nurses who cared for her