Vanita (Nita) Johnson

Vanita (Nita) Lynn Johnson passed away on November 27, 2023.  A cherished daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, she was born on July 9, 1956, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Virgil and Pattie (Stovall) Johnson. She was baptized as a teenager at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

Graduating from John Adams High School in 1974, she was also an alumna of Indiana University of South Bend and Ivy Tech of South Bend.  Vanita’s passion for learning was evident in her pursuit of knowledge. This passion served her well in her professional life that saw her making meaningful contributions as an employee at Sears, Roebuck & Co., and later at Bendix/Honeywell International. 

Her interests were diverse, finding joy in the simple pleasures of a drive in the city or to Chicago, delighting in the city’s shopping stores and boundless restaurants. Her love for travel took her to many places, one of her favorites being Hawaii. Possessing a beautiful singing voice, it was not surprising to find her attending the latest Broadway musical. This appreciation of the arts was an encouragement to others to find their own creative outlets. 

Vanita is survived by her sisters:  Colleen Johnson of Indianapolis, IN; Maureen Johnson of South Bend, IN; LoRita Johnson of Mishawaka, IN; LaVelle Denise Johnson of Smyrna, GA; and Quinten Gresham III, her adopted brother. Vanita’s family extended to her cherished aunt and uncles: Aunt Iretha Stovall of Cotton Plant, AR; Uncle Plexico Weathersbee of Anderson, IN; and Uncle Theopolis Smith Sr. of East St. Louis, IL and many cherished cousins from Anderson, IN; Ft. Wayne, IN; East St. Louis, IL; Houston, TX; Lubbock, TX; Little Rock/Cotton Plant, AR.

Loved ones that preceded her in death:  Aunt Marjorie Smith; Aunt Rosie Mae and Uncle James Mathis Sr.; Uncle Raymond Stovall; Aunt Annabelle Weathersbee; Aunt Oraphine and Uncle Eddie Stovall; Aunt Sallie Mae Davis; Uncle William Johnson and Uncle Arthur Lee Johnson. Cousins:  Nathaniel Stovall; Oleta McClurkin; James Mathis Jr.; Barbara Jenkins; Raymond Stovall Jr.; Curtis Stovall; Samuel Stovall and Dorothy Stovall. 

The family sends heartfelt thanks to all who made a positive impact on Vanita’s life. Special love and appreciation to her cousins, who have been so encouraging and supportive to Vanita as well as to her sisters, especially during these last months.

Celebration of Life for Vanita L. Johnson

In loving memory of Vanita Lynn Johnson, our family would like to invite you to celebrate her life and the impact she has had on each of us. Please join us on April 13th at 11:00am to noon at Gillespie Event Center, Hilton Garden Inn, Notre Dame Room. 

*Lunch at 1pm at Cheddars Scratch Kitchen located at 4914 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545. We will honor the memories and cherish the moments with family and friends gathered together in celebration. *Please understand that each guest will be paying for their own meal and/or beverages of his or her choice. We hope to see you there.

Thank you.

The Johnson Family 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.