Vera Melvia Johnson

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, Vera Melvia Johnson went home to be with the Lord at the Willow Brook Christian Communities in Worthington, Ohio. Vera was born in Woodstock, Ohio on July 2, 1921 to the late John Thomas Ayers and Loretta Thomas Ayers. Vera is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Johnson, brother Cecil Ayers and sister Pecola Misner.

She was educated in the Columbus Public Schools and graduated from East High School in 1938. She then went to Franklin University and also attended Cosmetology School. Vera worked at the DSC Defense Department in Columbus and was a member of the American Cancer Society. Vera was married to her beloved husband Bob for 42 years. She finished her career, working with Bob when they started a small business, Johnson Electric Company. They were also activists in the civil rights movement by building a Black Community in the Worthington suburb of Columbus in the 1960’s called Flint Ridge Terrace. A historical marker is being dedicated on that site in October of this year, 2026.

Vera was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Columbus and in her later years began attending St. John A.M.E. in Worthington. She was well known for her faith, spunk and youthful spirit far into her 90’s. Her favorite expression was “let go and let God”.

She is survived by: her nephews John R. Ayers, Sr. (Ann-deceased), Phillip D. Ayers (Charlotte), both residing in Maryland ; William Benny Fort; nieces Pamela Garrett (Roger Jr.-deceased) and Sonya Grant (William-deceased); Dwight Thompson, who was like a son; Primary and loving caregiver Karen Thomas (cousin John) a team of dedicated and loving caregivers, long time and loving neighbors Rock and Donna Litteral, Wayne Wheatley, and many friends.