Verna Mae Broom Johnson, age 81 of Dardanelle, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025 at her home. She was  born September 9, 1943 in Egypt, Arkansas to the late Jesse Hewitt and Verna Huffard Hewitt.  Verna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Ted Johnson; the father of her children, DB Broom; siblings, Loyd Hewitt, Johnny Hewitt, Preacher Hewitt, Wanda Holt, Lois Guthrie, Anthony Hewitt, Jackie Hewitt, Donna Hewitt, and son-in-law, Michael Chambers.

Survivors include four children, Lester Wayne Broom of Dardanelle, AR, Pamela Chambers of Lonoke, AR, Michael and Michele Broom of Atkins, AR, and Michelle Spears of Dardanelle, AR; her siblings, Geraldine Scifres (Claud), Marshall Hewitt (Cassie), Dolly Howard, and Helen Smith; seventeen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren; countless nieces, nephews and their families, and her loved ones in the Broom Family.

Verna was the firstborn of thirteen children. She loved fishing, gardening, flea markets and spending time with her family as often as possible. Verna had many hobbies and occupations throughout her life, and she excelled in most anything she ever set her mind to. Some of her talents and hobbies included having the greenest thumb of anyone you've ever known, sewing, crafting, painting, gardening, carpentry, upholstery, crocheting, interior decorating, making candy and fried pies, as well as, making flower arrangements and Christmas centerpieces.

Like many in Northeast Arkansas, early in her life Verna picked cotton and other seasonal farming related work. From an early age, she learned to drive and to perform mechanical work on cars, trucks and tractors. Later, she worked in retail grocery management,independent sales, waitressing, refinishing furniture, upholstery projects, and housekeeping. She even worked as an over the road truck driver. Imagine that tiny body driving an 18 wheeler! Verna could name every highway you need to take to get to any town she's ever been to. She was often the official scorekeeper for baseball/softball games at the Highway 10 Optimist Club, and loved coaching softball for the girls in the early 1970s.

Verna never met a stranger and made many, many friends through the years, leaving a lasting impression on each and every one. And there was never a baby placed in her arms that didn't absolutely adore her. She also had excellent taste in music and exposed her children to many genres, and her love of music is being lovingly passed down through the next generations.

Verna's loved ones would like to thank everyone at Arkansas Hospice of Russellville who have now become family.

A family conducted memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Arkansas Hospice. (arkansashospice.org)

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremation in Dardanelle.  Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com