Vera Johnson was an officer (secretary) of the Santa Clarita City Formation Committee. Following cityhood in 1987, she co-founded the Santa Clarita Civic Assocation, an advocacy group, and was a founding member of Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and the Environment (SCOPE). Later she founded the Santa Clarita Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee. She ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Santa Clarita City Council in 1990 and 1992.

Vera Joan Johnson, 92, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Barone Alzheimer's Care Center following a period of illness.

Vera was born February 11, 1927, in Seattle, Wash., the daughter of Raymond and Vevah (Lough) Clithero. She graduated West Seattle High School and later earned an associate degree.

Vera operated a preschool in her home in Los Angeles for many years. She was a profound civic activist who helped develop the founding of Santa Clarita from several adjoining communities. Vera was involved in city politics and was a member of the Republican Women's Federated. She was devoted wife, mother and grandmother who had a great love for her family. Vera and her husband Warren Johnson moved to Joplin, Missouri, after the couple retired in 2003.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband Warren; son Mark Quarantello, and daughter Susie Quarantello. She is survived by three sons: Bruce Quarantello, Tulsa, Okla.; Matthew Johnson (Wendy) Acton, Calif.; and Christian Johnson, Walker, Missouri; grandchildren Sophia Johnson and Rebecca Bishop; brother, Robert Clithero (Pat), Camden, S.C.; extended family and special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, in the Ferry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Interment will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City.

Memorials are suggested to Barone Alzheimer's Care Center in care of the funeral home.