Velma L. “Petie” (VanGorkom) Johnson

VELMA LEE “Petie” (VanGorkom) JOHNSON

Velma Lee (VanGorkom) Johnson, known to most as “Petie,” was born May 18, 1947 in Clinton County, Missouri and departed this life on February 6, 2025 at her home in Raymore, Missouri at the age of 77 years, 8 months and19 days.

She was the daughter of Woodrow W. and Velma Lee (Greer) VanGorkom.

Petie found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, holding them close to her heart. Petie had a special love for word search puzzle books, often losing herself in their pages, and when she wasn’t puzzling, you could always find her enjoying the comforting shows on HGTV. She was also a loyal and passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm.

One of the things Petie treasured most in her later years was the fellowship she found at church. She embraced the joy of returning to in-person services and loved connecting with new friends over a warm cup of coffee before the service began.

Petie lived her life with grace, guided by the words of Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith were evident in everything she did, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Petie was preceded in death by her husband, David J. Johnson; her parents, Woodrow and Velma VanGorkom and sisters, Caroline Ann Johnson, JoAnn Cooke and June Marie VanGorkom.

She is survived by daughters, Ashley Michele Cunningham and husband Milton Dean of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and, Jennifer Lee Wurtz and husband Ronnie G. of Belton, Missouri; brother, John Dyer VanGorkom and wife Kathy of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; sisters, Mary Sue McHenry of Belton, Missouri, Linda Lee Christopherson and husband Jim of Lathrop, Missouri, Nancy Jane Ferrel and husband Jerre of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Joyce Marie Yager and husband Mark of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; grandchildren, Christopher David Blair, Taylar Ashley Bruce, Dakota Walker Wurtz, Macee Alexis Blair, Victoria Rose Blair, Auttumn Grace Blair and Saige Leigh Wurtz; 9 great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Service for Velma Lee “Petie” (VanGorkom) Johnson will be held at 12:00 Noon, Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, with Rev. Don Butterfield officiating. Interment will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri at a later date.