Catherine Vernette Johnson Jirel, 84, of Columbia, SC went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Vernette was born on March 2, 1933 in Richland County and was the daughter of the late Jennings L. Johnson and Alma Mae Martin Johnson.

Her legacy will be that she was the matriarch of a loving family and a prayer warrior who never wavered in her amazing faith and trust in God. She retired from Lexington School District #4 where she loved working with her special needs students. Vernette was a lifetime member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church in Columbia.

Vernette is survived by her children, Diane Paschal Meetze (Larry) of Columbia, Glenda Shannon Davis (Brian) of Leesville, and Cheryl Anne Shannon of Swansea; a loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Johnson; nieces, nephews as well as a loving companion, Mr. Jimmy Hipp. In addition to her parents, Vernette was predeceased by her husband, David Lewis Jirel; and her brother, J.L. Johnson, Jr.

The funeral service for Vernette will be held at 3 o'clock on Sunday, January 21st at Rehoboth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Constance Barnes officiating. Burial will follow in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Road, Columbia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning in the church's Christian Life Center. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to Rehoboth United Methodist Church, 6911 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223.