Bessie (Peppy) Vernon Smith Johnson, 96, a long-time resident of Delray Beach, FL passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Courtyard Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Jupiter, FL. Peppy was a resident of Delray Beach coming from High Point, NC when she was just 10 years old. She was born March 25, 1924 in High Point, NC to Bessie Vernon Richardson Tate and Alfred Edward Tate. She attended Delray Junior High and Delray Beach High School where she met the love of her life James Jolly Johnson. Before the war broke out in 1951, Bessie attended Florida State University and Jim was off to the University of Florida, but as the war started in December of 1941, Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a pilot and served in World War II in combat. Peppy was a member of the Civilian Air Patrol. She would sit on top of buildings in Delray Beach looking for submarines and airplanes at night when there was a blackout. They married in 1943 and built a home on Dixie Boulevard in Delray Beach where she lived until she was 92 years old. If anybody knew Peppy Johnson, she was known for "Mrs. Johnson's banana nut bread" that she sold at Johnny Mangos, Neals and several other places around Delray Beach.

Peppy is predeceased by her husband James Jolly Johnson and infant son James Jolly Johnson II. She is survived by her sons Thomas (Debbie) Johnson, Robert (Belinda) Johnson, grandchildren Megan Tate Johnson, Todd (Emily) Johnson, James (Sheri) Jolly Johnson II, Shaun (Kristen) Johnson and Christopher Johnson, great grandchildren Gracie, Aryn, Ashlyn, Chelsea and Matthew.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bessie Johnson's name to Trustbridge of the Palm Beaches for their amazing dedication and service. Click here to make an online donation .