Velma Louise. "V.J." (Jackson) Johnson

            Velma Louise “V.J.” (Jackson) Johnson, age 87, of Bear, DE, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

            Born in Passaic, NJ, on April 2, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Ellen (McMillian) Jackson. V.J. was raised in Nutley, NJ, where she attended the school system graduating from Nutley High School. She then attended Essex County School of Nursing, earning her certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse. V.J. was employed by the Essex County Geriatric Centre for 36 years. Her career at the Geriatric Centre was diverse. She worked with contagious diseases, when the facility was known as Soho, until it became a general hospital. V.J. then worked in the surgical ward assisting in the OR and Recovery. The last phase and change of the facility was when it became a Geriatric Centre. V.J. became the first black woman to be relieved of ward duties and became Assistant Discharge and Utilization Review Coordinator working in Nursing Administration.

            After her retirement, V.J. spent over 11 years taking care of children. She was a devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry at different times, member of the ECW, church choir, fundraising improvement committee and volunteer club. V.J. also served on the Montclair African-American Parade and Festival Committee, and was a member of the Overbrook Employees Association. A woman of many talents, she constructed, re-constructed, painted, plastered, sewed, and did all kinds of arts and crafts. But most of all V.J. was known for her love of cooking. In her leisure time, she enjoyed gardening, walking, and travelling. V.J. loved life, lived it to the fullest, and never met a stranger.

            In addition to her parents, V.J. was preceded in death by her daughter, Dorothy, from her union to Walter Lee Julius Johnson; and brothers, Andrew Jackson, Jr. and Alvin Jackson. She leaves precious memories in the hearts of her grandson, Thomas Reynolds (Amy); granddaughter, Makayla Harrison (Joey); great-granddaughter, Sophia; and an array of godchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

          A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Martin’s Home for Services, 48 Elm Street, Montclair. A funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 74 Park Ave, Glen Ridge at 10 am on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Interment will follow in Graceland Memorial Park, 1900 Galloping Hill Rd, Kenilworth. Please wear bright colors.

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in V.J.’s memory to Christ Episcopal Church of Glen Ridge-Bloomfield at https://christchurchepiscopal.org/ or St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Middletown, DE at https://saintannes.church/

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