WILMINGTON — Vernon Felkel Johnson, a long-time resident of Wilmington, NC, passed away on May 27, 2024.
Vernon was born June 21, 1924, in Elloree, South Carolina and was the last survivor of 5 daughters to the late Sallie and Samuel Felkel. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Johnson; mother-in-law, Mamie Johnson who treated her as a daughter; sisters, Sammy Hardee, Florence Melvin, Judy Edwards and Lydia Garris; son-in-law, Jim Sullivan; and special sisters and brothers-in-law.
Vernon is survived by her daughters, Linda Sullivan, Sandra Williams (Larry) and Kay Sharples (George Martin, friend, and like a son to her). She is also survived by her grandchildren; Jimmy Sullivan (Missy), Christy Sullivan Harbinson (Andy), Glenn Williams (Susan) and Melissa Williams Gray (Daniel); her great-grandchildren, Josh, Jeremy and Aaron Harbinson, Brianna Williams, Ethan Gray and Ryan Emanuel.
Vernon was a doting mother to her 3 daughters, a loving wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was very involved with her church and served in various capacities over the years. She was a talented seamstress who made clothes, drapes and quilts for her girls and family members. She loved to cook and was known for her mac and cheese and lemon pies. She was a caregiver to so many who needed someone. Vernon was an inspiration to many who rode by her house and saw her working in her flower beds or mowing her yard on her John Deere she dearly loved. At 99 years old, she lost many family members and close friends but was very fortunate to still have many devoted grandchildren, nephews, nieces, Atkinson Fabric co-workers, her Olivet Baptist Church family and friends who visited or called to chat, shared recipes and baked goods with her. She lived a good life and will be dearly missed by so many.
A Celebration of Life service will be held June 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Olivet Baptist Church located at 138 Glendale Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401. There will be a private burial at the Wilmington National Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Vernon can be made to the Baptist Children’s Home of N.C., PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361, or to Olivet Baptist Church, 138 Glendale Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
