Vera Lee Johnson

In Memoriam

For a second you were flying
Like you always wanted to
Now you’ll fly forever
In skies of azure blue
We’ll see your smile in every ray
Of sunshine after rain
And hear the echo of your laughter
Over all the pain
The world’s a little quieter now
The colours have lost their hue
The birds are singing softly
And our hearts are missing you
Each time we see a little cloud
Or a rainbow soaring high
We’ll think of you and gently
Wipe a tear from our eye.

You’ve Just Walked on Ahead of Me

I try and cope the best I can
But I'm missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me
Don't worry I'll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine.

She Is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

There Is No Light Without A Dawning

No winter without a spring
And beyond the dark horizon
Our hearts will once more sing...
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
Out of a restless, care worn world
Into a brighter day

Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love that they may face
 each new day with hope and the certainty that
nothing can destroy the good that has been given.
 May their memories become joyful,
 their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.

"When I am gone, release me, let me go.
 I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
 But be thankful we had so many good years.'

Burial
San Fernando Mission Cemetery
11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, Ca 91345

The Final Inspection

They stood before their Maker and thus it came to pass.
They hoped their shoes were shining just as brightly as their brass.
“Step forward now Marines,” He said, “how shall I deal with you?
Have you kept all my commandments, to your duty were you true?”

We didn’t like the things we did, but had to make a choice.
For those of us who carried guns, we tried to hear your voice.
We seldom had a place to sleep or had a quiet meal.
We were bound to do our duty, no matter how we feel.

We’ve had to fight on Sundays and at times our talk was rough.
Sometimes our acts were violent, because wars are always tough.
We’ve never missed a cry for help, at times we’ve shed some tears.
We protected little children and tried to calm their fears.

We know we don’t deserve a place among your faithful here.
Their many years of service show how they were more sincere.
So if you have a place for us, it need not be so grand.
We never expected so very much, if not, we’ll understand.

A silence fell all around the Throne, where Saints have often trod
As all Marines wait quietly, for the judgment of their God.
“Enter now Marines,” He said, “you have borne your burdens well
Guard peacefully on these golden streets, You served your time in Hell.”

"Warm summer sun,

    Shine kindly here,

Warm southern wind,

    Blow softly here.

Green sod above,

    Lie light, lie light.

Good night, dear heart,

    Good night, good night."