Verna Ann (Nail) Johnson

Verna Ann (Nail) Johnson, age 69, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 27, 2023, at Mercy Hospital. She was born on May 24, 1954, to Fred and Jane Nail. She graduated from Saint Joseph Academy in Des Moines, class of 1972.

Verna met her future husband, Steve Johnson, while they were both working as teenagers at Bishop’s Buffett. They married on October 5, 1974, and were married 49 years. They welcomed two children; son, Shawn, born in 1979, and daughter, Melissa, in 1982. Verna and Steve were loyal South siders for most of their life.

Verna worked in banking and customer service for several years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed music, especially classic rock and country, but she also loved a good toe tapping gospel song. Before her health declined, she was able to attend several concerts with her family. Over the years, Verna held a special place in her heart for their fur babies; dog, Rocky, and cats, Tiger Lily and Casper.

She is survived by her brother, Jerry; her son, Shawn (Kate) Johnson; her daughter, Melissa Johnson; her brother-in-law, Allen Johnson (Alice Stephens); her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Donella and Don Duke; her nieces, Sarah Nail, Jamie Kilgore (children Haley and Matthew), and Marcey (John) Farrell (son, Nathan).

She is preceded in death by her parents; Fred and Jane, her beloved husband, Steve passed away on July 16, 2024.

A joint Celebration of Life for Verna and her husband, Steve, will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the Polk County Westside Senior Center; 134 6th Street in West Des Moines, with a remembrance service followed by fellowship and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be used for a special tree planting next Spring in loving memory of Steve and Verna.

Condolences may be expressed at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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