Vernie was born on September 1, 1924 in Grenora, ND, to John and Olga Wierson. She and her siblings resided on the family farm. After the passing of her mother, her father remarried and moved to Parshall, ND. It was at that time that Vernie went to live with her Grandpa and Grandma Wierson while attending high school in Williston.

She met and fell in love with Obert Johnson. They married February 14, 1942. To this union 3 children were born, Arnold, Sharon and Joni.

They lived briefly in Crosby, Tioga and Minot, before Obert accepted the position as Express agent in Williston for Railway Express. Vernie managed the shoe department at Joseph’s Ready to Wear in Williston until her retirement in 1986. She was an avid bowler and bowled both on womens and couples leagues. She spent time gardening, fishing, and boating.

In 1970, Obert and Vernie moved to their home in Long Creek, where they lived until 1992. She and her friend Dorothy Joseph spent many hours fishing on the banks of Lake Sakakawea, more often than not, with busy grandchildren in tow. Vernie loved gardening, cooking, and looking after her grandchildren no matter how challenging it got to be. She taught them how to garden and bake. She was famous for her delicious carmel rolls! When they moved back to town, Vernie kept busy caring for her flower garden, playing cards with family and friends, and she and Obert would enjoy watching a good Twins game. She was a very compassionate person and put her caring nature to good use as she and her friend Francis Natwick would visit shut-ins and deliver prayer shawls for First Lutheran Church. Vernie always made time to listen and give a hug when needed. She spent much of her life in service to others. She opened her home for many a family gathering where all were welcome! Food, family and friends! Vernie was a spiritual person and had a great relationship with her lord and savior and she lead by example.

Vernie and Obert vacationed to Acapulco, Mexico, went on many a fishing trip to Canada, and visited family in California, Washington and Oregon. She visited Hawaii twice, even snorkeling and boating to a shark dive site, all at the ripe age of 89! She also enjoyed many trips to Cliff and Joni’s home in Bigfork, MT, and never missed the opportunity to go. Last August, she spent time there with her brother Bernard and his family, pontooning on Flathead Lake and just sitting on the back deck visiting and enjoying the mountain views. A time she truly cherished.

In the fall of 2016 Vernie suffered a stroke that left her unable to care for herself. It was at that time that Joni moved in to help with her care. It was an adjustment she would quickly overcome. Vernie remained in good spirits and maintained her wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed spending some time at the home of her granddaughter Jen and Todd Smith in Scandia, MN. Vernie always looked forward to daily visits from family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, grandparents, husband Obert, son Arnold, daughter Sharon, brother Juel, sister Angie, grandson Craig and great grandson Kristian. She is survived by her daughter Joni and husband Cliff of Williston, their children Julie and husband Dan Koch of Williston, Jen and her husband Todd Smith of Scandia, MN, and Christopher and his fiancée Kristin of Minneapolis, MN. Grandchildren, Lynn Johnson and son Deric of Portland, OR, Christi Johnson of Gresham, OR, and Kristina and her husband Kenny and son Kennedy Honeycutt of Williston. Brothers Bernard and wife Phyllis of Northfield, MN, Donald and his wife Ellie of Pascagoula, MS and Glen and wife Sally of Canton, IL. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.