Verna S. (Johnson) Minehart

Verna Stevens Minehart, beloved wife of Harry Alfred Minehart passed away November 21, 2022  at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown Pa. Verna was born in the Germantown section of Philadelphia to Bertha Emma and Roy Ellsworth Johnson.

She is predeceased by her sons Richard and David, daughter in law Kathy, husband Harry and many beloved dogs. She is survived by her sister Nancy Bell, granddaughter Katrina Besnard (Jerome), and great grandchildren Ian and Adelyn; nieces Carol Bell and Sandra Nyanankpe (Guenter); grand nieces Claire, Gail, Theresa(Wendy); grand nephew Guenter (Shanae); and great grand nephews Abram and Peyton.

Harry and Verna were childhood sweethearts and met while in Sunday school. Harry enlisted in the Army and they got married in 1946 as soon as he returned.  Harry knew a good thing when he saw it. The two loved music, spending hours at the piano with Verna’s father and Verna playing the violin while Harry sang.

After they had their 2 sons, Verna became a den mother and volunteered for the Eastern Star and PEQ for 61 years. They set up life in California with Harry’s work transfer after the children were grown, and moved back to Pennsylvania to settle at the Masonic Village in 2004. Both loved to travel, which began while Harry was working. They certainly loved movies as well, collecting over 200 titles on tape in their music room. The twinkle never left their marriage, lasting for 68 years. Verna was passionate about being with her sons, husband and dogs.

Verna's kind and gentle spirit touched neighbors, friends, family, caregivers and business associates. Her smile and sparkle in her eyes warmed many hearts. She loved music, animals  and gardening (pink roses a favorite). Verna was a foodie, watching cooking shows, collecting thousands of recipes and spending hours discussing various ingredients. Richard started her on a collection of music boxes which lasted a lifetime. Her strong faith in God and the Presbyterian Church followed her all her life.

Verna knows that those who went before her will be there to hold her hand forever now. She  describes her life as wonderful and happy, except for the very dark moments of her children’s deaths. Her advise to all is enjoy your time here, go do what you want while you can as life is an adventure worth living.

Verna had a deep love for animals, and would like people to donate to the Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster center instead of sending flowers. Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster Center, 848 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

A celebration of Verna’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 at 10:00 AM. Interment in Whitemarsh Memorial Park will take place at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Elizabethtown, PA.

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