Jonesboro- Vela Jeanette Johnson, 96, peacefully slipped away to be with the Lord, Monday, March 11, 2013 at NE Baptist Memorial Hospital and joined her late husband, Harvey Delmer Johnson. She was born November 20, 1916 in Jonesboro, the daughter of Gertrude "Trudie" Watkins McGaughey and Carl "Curlie" Watkins, and remained in Jonesboro all of her life, spending the last 15 years with many of her friends at St. Bernards Village. She and her husband owned Johnson's Food Market, corner of College St. and Culberhouse until 1960. She later owned Vela's Millenary prior to working at House and Garden. Survivors include a daughter, Martha Sue McFarlin of Jonesboro; a son, Larry D. Johnson of Jackson, MS; two granddaughters, Kimberly Davidson of Jonesboro and Jill Noblin of Jackson, MS; a grandson, Blake McFarlin of Memphis; two great-grandsons, Jonathan Davidson of Dallas, Texas and Grant Davidson of Memphis; two great-granddaughters, Keavy Noblin and Clayton Noblin of Jackson, MS; a brother and his wife, Vopel and Velma Watkins of Atlas, Michigan. She was a devoted member of Walnut Street Baptist Church where funeral services will be Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 11:00 am with Rev. Jerry Parker officiating followed by visitation with the family at the church. Lasting memorials may be made to Walnut Street Baptist Church, 1910 Scenic Dr. Jonesboro, AR 72401.