Verilla Vasa (Johnson) Blue

Rev. Verilla Vasa Johnson Blue departed this life and was received in the arms of JESUS, on Friday, September 15, 2017. She was born to Artis Johnson and Vasa Johnson Hall in Como, Mississippi on November 14, 1928. She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandchildren Faith and Hope, her brothers John Terry and John Willie Johnson, and her sister Ophelia Johnson. She spent her youth in Danville, Illinois and attended Booker T. Washington High School. She made Jesus the Lord of her life at an early age. Rev. Blue received her associate degree from Columbus State College. In addition, she continued her education by taking various courses and classes to enhance her personal development. Rev. Verilla married the late James E. Blue Sr. in Illinois, and to their union were born 3 sons, James Jr., Monte, and David. They settled in Columbus, Ohio in the late 50’s. Rev. Blue was well known for her cooking and baking. She and her husband opened a restaurant in the old Litchfield Hotel on Fourth St. in Columbus, Ohio. People would come from miles around to purchase her delicious food and desserts. She had great foresight, because in the summer, she would go to Smith’s Farms and pick strawberries, greens, green beans, tomatoes, and many other vegetables to can for the winter. She was always one who would not keep her blessings to herself so she would share and have others to accompany her. Employed at The Ohio State University Hospital for many years, she retired as their Environmental Service Manager. She had an excellent work ethic and received numerous perfect attendance and performance awards. She never drove a car but she could direct you to any destination and make sure you were following the traffic rules. Rain, sleet, or snow Rev. Verilla was faithful in getting to her destination on time! Because she was very active in her community and city, she received commendations from the Ohio House of Representatives, Metropolitan Democratic Women’s Club, Columbus City Council, and various community organizations. Rev. Verilla was a faithful member of The Columbus Bible Way Church for 50+ years. On April 9, 1995, she was ordained into the Ministry at The Columbus Bible Way Church under the Pastorate of Dr. William Talley III. Her love, dedication, and commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her church was very evident in her walk and talk. She was a teacher of the Gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with children, youth, and adults. She served as Superintendent of Sunday School, Director over Jets for Jesus Bible Club, as well as an Assistant with the Junior and Senior Ambassadors Youth Ministry. She was one of the original members of the Columbus Bible Way Church gospel choir. Because of her love for teaching the word of God to children, she would spend weeks each summer for many years at The Columbus Bible Way Church’s Ambassador for Christ Camp in Logan, Ohio. While there she served as teacher, mentor, and minister. She always greeted you with a smile and a Praise the Lord and Jesus Loves You. She was also known for sharing her godly wisdom and for her giving spirit. To her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all who were influenced by her, she left a legacy of faith in her Lord Savior Jesus Christ, determination, strength, integrity, fortitude, persistence, steadfastness, and loyalty, all coupled with agape love! “The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs—How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].” Proverbs 20:7, Rev. Verilla leaves to cherish her memory, her three sons James (Grace), Monte (Charmaine), David (Crystal), 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, sister in law Varnia Johnson, close family friends, Orval Wright, and Cindy Stewart, nieces, nephews, many other relatives, and friends. We will surely miss her! Rev. Verilla V. Blue was truly “A Phenomenal Woman of God!”