LaVera M. Johnson

Celebrating the Life and Homecoming of LaVera M. Johnson

LaVera M. Johnson, age 96, of Waretown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a remarkably kind, loving, caring, and gentle soul who spent her life quietly performing countless acts of kindness for others, simply out of love.

Early Life and Faith

Born on December 8, 1929, in Laurel, Mississippi, LaVera was raised in a Christian home and professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age. That foundation of faith guided her throughout her entire journey. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where she was a proud member of the Spring 1948 graduating class at Sumner High School. She spent the majority of her adult life in St. Louis building a home, raising her family, and serving her community.

A Devoted Mother and Hard Worker

LaVera was a devoted mother who poured her heart into raising her three children. As a divorced single mother for much of her life, she balanced her deep commitment to her family with a strong work ethic. She was employed for many years as a meat wrapper for a large supermarket company in St. Louis. Highly respected by her peers, she was an active member of the Local 88 Meat Cutters Union and proudly served as a shop steward.

Above all, LaVera shared an exceptionally close and special bond with her own mother, Magdalene Franklin, which shaped her own approach to motherhood and family devotion.

Passions, Service, and Community

LaVera was a woman of many talents and intellectual pursuits. She was an avid reader who loved to study the Bible and expand her mind by watching historical and biographical documentaries, as well as old classic movies. Her creative hands were often busy with cooking, baking, embroidering, and freehand artwork, all while the smooth sounds of classical jazz filled her home.

Her faith and civic duty were central to who she was. She was highly active in her church, where she taught Sunday School and found immense joy in helping young people grow in their spiritual journeys. Beyond the church walls, she was passionately involved in community civic affairs, championing causes related to education, religious freedom, politics, and the United States Constitution.

A Legacy of Faith and Family

In 2001, LaVera made the move from St. Louis to Waretown, New Jersey, driven by her singular desire to help raise, nurture, and guide her grandchildren. She was profoundly rooted in her faith, and her greatest passion was leading her children and grandchildren to Christ.

She is survived by her three beloved children: Travis Rodgers (and his wife, Marina), Denise Johnson, and Gary Johnson; her cherished grandchildren: Joseph Rodgers, Magdalena Rodgers, Liazha Moore, and step-granddaughter Jasmine Delgado; and a host of extended family and dear friends who will miss her gentle presence daily. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Magdalene Franklin.

Services

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate LaVera's extraordinary life.

Visitation: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Location: Layton's Home For Funerals, 250 West Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731

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