Verna Grace Johnson

Lansing, MI formerly of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Passed away November 15, 2017 at the age of 98. Verna was born December 6, 1918 in Sheboygan, WI to Clarence and Viola Evelyn Ann (Wilke) Van Ess. She loved her family, friends and church. Verna was as an RN at St John Hospital in Detroit for many years. After retirement she was a volunteer staff member at Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, scavenging garage sales for treasures to give to others, news clipping, and letter writing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Norman P. Johnson, sister, Shirley Oglesby and brothers, James, Quentin and Granger Van Ess. Surviving is a son, Dale Johnson (Lissa Perrin); daughters, Jane (Richard) Greene, Barb Johnson, and Susan Benloucif; seven grandchildren, Brian (Kierre Nelson) Greene, Katie (Jeff Sheely) Greene, Stephen Greene (Jessica Corbett), Genevieve (Tor Berg) Leet, Colin Leet, Karina Benloucif and Kenzi Benloucif. Also surviving is sister, Audrey Kelley of California. Special family members Youcef Benloucif and Cindy Leet; many nieces and nephews, all of the Endicott Greene clan, Susan Davis; special family friend, Diane Ratkovich along with many other cherished family friends.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 18, 2 p.m., Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing with Rev. Harold DeMott officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of “flowers with their heads cut off” (infamous Verna quote) contributions may be made in memory of Verna to Mercy Ships, P. O. Box 1930, Lindale, TX 75771 or Smile Train, PO Box 96231 Washington, DC 20090-6231 or a charity of your choice.

Special thanks to Dr. Alan Neiberg and his staff for their excellent care over the last 5 years.