Verline Boyd-Johnson

Verline Boyd-Johnson was born on January 25, 1952 as the eighth child of William and Mary Boyd in Syracuse, New York. She grew up in Syracuse steeped in the community and surrounded by her 10 brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and cousins. In her youth, Verline was an athlete - playing basketball, volleyball, running track and cheering. She was also a fashionista which she carried with her throughout her lifetime. Verline graduated from Henniger High School in the face of insurmountable odds – losing her mother when she was just 16 years old.

After high school, Verline married and that relationship took her to numerous places throughout the United States and abroad. The most intriguing place Verline lived was La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland which allowed her to fulfill her childhood dream of living in Europe and traveling internationally.

Verline also was a prominent career woman – spending her working years in sales for large corporations like New Jersey Bell and Verizon. Verline also pursued higher education and received her associate’s degree from Onondaga Community College. She also completed bachelor’s degree credits at Ohio State University.

In addition to traveling, Verline loved shopping, cooking, golfing, and serving her community. She was an active volunteer in community organizations like Sister2Sister Network. She was also Associate Jewel Verline Boyd Johnson, a 20 Year Life Member of the Morris County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Above all else, Verline loved her family and God. She poured tirelessly into her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends who became like family. She was a praying woman and an active member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey where she was part of the Senior Choir and Usher Board. She also assisted every year with the church’s Thanksgiving Turkey Drive for the other seniors in the community.

Verline peacefully entered eternal rest on April 17, 2026 in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by loved ones.

Verline was proceeded in death by both of her parents and five of her siblings.

Her legacy lives on in her children Dr. Guinevere Johnson Bullard (Cedric),Akila Johnson Jones (Tico), and Surraya Johnson, Esq. (Hector) as well as her six grandchildren, one great grandchild, siblings, nieces, nephews and other loved ones.