District 88 remembers Willowbrook Administrative Assistant

It is with great sadness District 88 shares the news that Willowbrook staff member Velma Johnson (pictured above) has passed away.

Johnson has been an Administrative Assistant with the school’s Deans Office since 1993 and passed away suddenly on Sept. 27. She will forever be missed by family, friends and the Willowbrook community and will always be remembered for providing students with whatever they needed to succeed – whether that was a gentle push in the right direction or serving as a caring confidant. Velma was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. More information can be viewed at https://www.hillsfh.com/obituary/velma-gookie-johnson.

Willowbrook staff members share their thoughts and memories of Johnson below.

“Velma was a member of the Willowbrook family for nearly 30 years and has left a lasting impact on our students, staff and community. Her tremendous legacy will be felt for years to come in the Deans Office and beyond. Velma’s family and friends are in our thoughts during this most difficult time.”

-Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause

“Velma was the perfect person to work in the Deans Office, because she wasn't afraid to say anything to anyone – staff or students. In fact, I was a little intimidated by Velma, so it took a few years before I started talking to her. I quickly realized she was tough as nails, but had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone. Velma knew I coached golf at Willowbrook, so she stopped me multiple times this year to talk about her 9-year-old grandson and his success with golfing. She was so proud of him, and her face lit up like a proud grandparent any time she had a chance to talk about him. Velma will definitely be missed at Willowbrook, but not forgotten.”

- Willowbrook school counselor Scott Forcash, who worked closely with Johnson for 18 years

“I love Velma. Her personality was one of a kind, filled with tough love and laughter. To me, she represented what a good person should look like. A lover of her family, a faithful friend, committed employee and a woman of integrity. Where Velma walked, smiles followed. I will miss her greatly. Our loss is heaven's gain.”

-Willowbrook administrative assistant Kathi Smith, who was a coworker and friend of Johnson’s

“The love the students have for (Velma) is amazing. She was a second mom and gave them tough love. She knew they needed it. However, her heart was so much bigger than people even knew. She made sure, even when the students were doing the wrong thing, to try to find the positive in them and help them be better people. She knew when they were having monumental things happening in their lives and tried to make them special. The kids loved her. We all did. She will forever be our Warrior Angel.”

-Willowbrook world language teacher Cristy Hebreard, who worked closely with Johnson for 21 years