Leroy Vernon Johnson, 87, of Sanford, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital, Sanford.

Life commenced for Leroy Vernon Johnson in St. Augustine, Florida. He was the second child born to the parentage of Graham Henry and Norma (Thomas) Johnson. He was reared by his grandmother, Ms. Minnie Johnson and aunt, Ms. Bernice Henry. Mr. Johnson loved life and was blessed with a radiant personality. He enjoyed teaching with a passion, but most of all, he enjoyed offering (with warmth, congeniality, and a heartfelt smile) a helping hand to those in need. His greatest joy was spending quality time with his family and friends.

Possessed with a passion for education, he graduated from Walter E. Harris High School, Hastings, Florida. He attended Florida A&M University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Memorial College. He also received his Masters degree from Rollins College.

Life's concurring challenges fascinated him to strive continuously for personal and community growth.

At an early age, Mr. Johnson joined the membership of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church, Hastings, Florida. He was an active and invaluable member for many years. After becoming a resident of Sanford, he joined the membership of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was very involved until he became ill. He served as a member of the Allen Christian Endeavor Fellowship, St. James Male Choir, Finance Ministry, and Trustee Ministry.

He was the recipient of several distinguished service awards. Among many were St. James AME Church Member of the Year Award, 33 years of invaluable education and academic services to Seminole County School and Seminole County Public Schools dedicated service award. His fraternal and civic organizational affiliations include: Florida Teaching Profession Association, Seminole Association of School Administrators, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Seminole County Board of Channel 24, City Minimum Housing Board, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts #90, Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society in Education, Boys and Girls Club, Sanford Housing Authority Board, Order of the Elks-BPOE, Sanfonnia Club, East/West Kiwanians, Celery City Lodge #542. He retired in 1993 from Seminole County School Board after serving as an Elementary School Principal.

Family He Leaves to Cherish His Memory

His Christian love will always be cherished and greatly missed by his loving and devoted wife, Merian B. Johnson, Sanford; sister, Jacqueline Bryant, St. Augustine; niece, Denise Bryant; nephews, Thomas III (Edwidge), Michael (Ivonne), Dennis; god-son, Jean-Paul Bryant; great nephews, Phillip, Thomas IV, Christopher; step-sister, Belinda Sell; brothers-in-law, Augusta (Gloria) Bryson, Benjamin (Shirley) Bryson; sisters-in-law, Mary Lois Hayes, Virginia Bryson; numerous cousins, friends, and extended family.