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SHERIFF REMEMBERS FORMER JUSTICE VANNETTE W. JOHNSON, Ph.D.

 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office:870-541-5351

Email: info@jeffcoso.org

JEFF CO. SHERIFF REMEMBERS FORMER JUSTICE VANNETTE W. JOHNSON, Ph.D.: Jefferson County, AR - May 20, 2022 - Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. issued the following statement on the passing of former Jefferson County District 7 Justice of the Peace, Vannette W. Johnson, Ph.D., who served on the Jefferson County Quorum Court from 1976-2014.

"The men and women of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office extend our deepest condolences to Justice Johnson's wife, Mrs. Delois Davis Johnson, his daughter Justice Melanie Johnson Dumas and the entire Johnson Family in their time of grieving," said Sheriff Woods.

Justice Johnson, 91, was a native of Little Rock, AR, but later moved to Pine Bluff, AR, where he attended then Arkansas AM&N College.  He earned his undergraduate degree in history and government in 1952, while also serving as the Student Government Association President. Justice Johnson went onto further his academic studies at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he earned a master's degree in physical education in 1961, and later an Ed.D in education. 

"As a long-time coach, athletic director, tenured professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with 57 years of service, and member of the Quorum Court, Jefferson County's legislative branch of government, Justice Johnson was an advocate for civic and government affairs.  Justice Johnson served on the Quorum Court for nearly four (4) decades and did so with honor and distinction. During his legislative service on the Quorum Court, Justice Johnson served as chairman of the Finance Committee.  He was known as a very knowledgeable, sensible and responsible steward of county finances."   

"Justice Johnson was a well-respected member of the Jefferson County Quorum Court as well as an unsung hero of another era willing to accomplish bipartisan legislative objectives for the betterment of Jefferson County. His public input on the governing of Jefferson County was legendary among his peers and he will be sorely missed."

Johnson Funeral Home of Wynne, Arkansas have been entrusted with coordinating memorial services for Dr. Johnson, which have been scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2022 at St. John A.M.E. Church located at 1117 W. Pullen Street, Pine Bluff, AR.

"Again, we offer our sincere condolences to the Johnson family and friends during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The flags at sheriff's office and both detention centers will be lowered to half-staff in his honor until he is laid to rest."