Verda Ione Johnson Emery

    Verda's Obituary

Verda I. Emery, age 84, of Xenia, was called home to the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. She was born December 13, 1941, in West Union, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph A. and Edna C. (Tolle) Johnson.

In addition to her parents, Verda was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John B. Emery, Jr.; her son-in-law, Kevin Adams; her sister, Barbara Johnson; and her brothers, Samuel, Charles Glen, Robert, David, Roger, and Lawrence Johnson.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Adams of Dayton; Stacey Emery-Walter (Kevin) of Cedar Park, Texas; and Beth Thomas (John) of Xenia. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Ryan (Taylor) Adams, Hannah Adams, Lucy Walter, Lola Walter, Cody Walter, Gavin Thomas, Gabrielle Thomas, and Gracelynn Thomas; and a cherished great-grandmother to Sylas Adams. She is also survived by her siblings Dorothy Gibbs, Harold Johnson, Patricia Profitt, Kenneth Johnson, and Ronald Johnson (Karen); her sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews, who were near and dear to her heart.

Verda graduated from Xenia High School, Class of 1960. She was a talented seamstress whose skill and creativity blessed many over the years. She was a longtime cashier at Erbaugh & Johnson’s Drug Store in Yellow Springs, later worked at Morning Pride Manufacturing, and eventually retired from Vernay Labs.

Above all else, Verda was fiercely loyal and deeply devoted to her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother who protected, supported, and championed those she loved. Her kitchen was often the heart of the home — she was a wonderful cook (when she felt like it), and she found joy in baking and cake decorating, especially when it meant bringing family together. She had a green thumb and a natural gift for gardening, and she loved bowling with friends and family.

Verda had an adventurous spirit and was always ready for travel and new experiences. Whether near or far, she embraced life fully and was always up for the next adventure. She was a faithful member of the Xenia Church of Christ and lived her life grounded in faith, love, resilience, and strength.

She was blessed with a large family, and her legacy of loyalty, love, and laughter will live on in the many memories they share.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, at Xenia Church of Christ, 444 Country Club Drive, Xenia. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Silvercreek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Verda’s memory to Ohio’s Hospice or the American Heart Association, organizations that provided care and support to her and so many others.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Verda I. Emery, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Verda I. Emery, please click here to visit our sympathy store.