Valeriann “Ann” Perry Johnson, 87, of Tallahassee, passed away June 30, 2026. She was born March 21, 1939, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vera Mae Harsey Perry and Sam Austin Perry Sr.
In 1951, Ann’s family relocated to Chattahoochee when her father was employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Jim Woodruff Dam. In 1953, she became a member of First United Methodist Church of Chattahoochee, beginning a lifetime of faithful service and devotion to her church family. Ann graduated as salutatorian from Chattahoochee High School in 1957. While in high school, she was elected Most Athletic, was a member of the Honor Society and Student Council, and attended Girls State. She later attended Florida State University.
Ann met the love of her life, Spurgeon F. Johnson, and they were married in 1961. As they began raising their family, Ann returned to Tallahassee Community College, where she earned her associate degree while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood.
A devoted wife, mother and community leader, Ann dedicated countless hours to serving others. While raising her three children, she served as a Girl Scout troop leader for both of her daughters’ troops and was recognized as Troop Leader of the Year for her outstanding leadership and commitment, as well as receiving the President’s Award for Leadership from the Girl Scout Council of the Apalachee Bend. She headed Girl Scout fund drives, was selected as Outstanding Neighborhood Chairman, organized and directed Girl Scout Day Camp, and served on the Girl Scout Board of Directors.
Her service to First United Methodist Church was equally remarkable. She served as administrative chairperson of the Building Committee, was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees, served on the Administrative Board and Church Nominating Committee, and played a significant role during the demolition of the historic Old Edwards House, where Sunday school classes were held, and the construction of the Fellowship Hall that replaced it. Ann taught Sunday school for many years and worked tirelessly on church anniversary reunions and sanctuary renovation projects. For many years, she also served on the Friends of the Library Committee.
Ann and Spurgeon shared a love for their church and community. While Spurgeon enjoyed cultivating flowers in their backyard, Ann used her artistic touch to create beautiful floral arrangements for the church sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. She was also an avid reader throughout her life and was widely known as an exceptional cook. Family members fondly recalled their surprise when, upon Spurgeon’s retirement, Ann announced that she, too, was retiring from cooking.
Ann’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Denise Frazier (Sam) of Tallahassee; Marguerite Morgan (Gene) of Chattahoochee; and Kevin Johnson (Nancy) of Tallahassee. She also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Billy Capece of Tallahassee; Katie Capece (Jason) of Tampa; Fletcher Morgan (Elaina) of Tallahassee; and Kylie Johnson (Jimmy) of Marietta, Georgia. She is also survived by two brothers, Dr. Byron Perry of Durham, North Carolina, and Don Perry of Chattahoochee, along with a host of cherished nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Spurgeon F. Johnson; her parents, Sam Austin Perry Sr. and Vera Mae Perry; her brothers, Sam Perry Jr., Leon Perry and Robert Perry; and her sister, Jane Perry.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at 3 p.m. EDT at First United Methodist Church, 18 W. Marion St., Chattahoochee, with visitation and refreshments to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Chattahoochee.
Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, her dedication to family and church, and the kindness and grace she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.
The family would like to thank Big Bend Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for their amazing support, care and empathy. The children would also like to thank the family of First United Methodist Church of Chattahoochee for raising them right!
