It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Elder Veronica Marva Johnson of Pleasant Hills, PA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Some stories deserve to be told slowly. This is one of them.
What is given freely returns in ways we cannot measure.
Elder Veronica "Ronni" Mitchell Johnson, 72, of Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, was born on September 2, 1953, in Clairton, Pennsylvania. She was the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence Milford Mitchell, Sr. and Virgie Downing Mitchell and sister-in-law of the late John Bradford.
The youngest of four siblings, Ronni was a proud graduate of Clairton High School and later earned her associate degree from the Community College of Allegheny County. She dedicated many years to serving her community through her professional work. She was formerly employed as a cashier at Thrift Drugs in Clairton and as a customer service representative at Gimbels Department Store. She also faithfully served as a Police Communication Officer at Duquesne University. After fourteen years of dedicated service, she retired in 2019.
Elder Johnson had a deep and abiding passion for serving the Lord. In 1976, she was instrumental in the formation of the Inter-Denominational Youth Outreach Choir, which originated in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. What began as a group of young men and women united by their love for God grew into a powerful music ministry that touched lives throughout the Mon Valley area, including McKeesport, Clairton, Smithdale, and Elizabeth. Through song and service, they ministered in local churches and at special spiritual events, spreading hope, faith, and encouragement to all who heard them.
Her commitment to ministry extended beyond music. Elder Johnson faithfully served wherever she was called, embodying a spirit of humility, devotion, and unwavering faith. She was a committed member of Light of Life Salvation Army, where she served as Choir Director for several years. Her life exemplified her love for God and her dedication to uplifting others through service and praise.
In 2006, Elder Johnson became a member of Shekinah House of Prayer, where she served as Youth Director and Youth Choir Director. In 2007, she served as the Coordinator and Director of the Women at the Well National Conference. On May 6, 2017, her son's birthday, she was formally ordained as an Elder. She continued her ministry by serving as a biblical teacher and visionary, and Founder and Leader of the 60+ Enrichment Bible Study. In 2023, Elder Johnson was installed as Mother of Shekinah House of Prayer Ministries.
Elder Veronica "Ronni" Mitchell Johnson leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Veronica is survived by her beloved son, Brandon M. Mitchell of Clairton, PA, siblings, Brenda Bradford of Pleasant Hills, Lawrence (Nancy) Milford Mitchell Jr. of Homestead, Vernita Mitchell of Pleasant Hills, aunts, Gloria Jean Anderson of Baldwin Whitehall and Lucille (Abraham) Snyder of Fredericksburg, VA, and her nieces and nephews, Marla Bradford of Clairton, Andrea Bradford, Cleveland, OH, Keith Mitchell, Atlanta GA, and Michael Mitchell, San Antonio, TX, and a host of cousins and friends.
