Former Autauga County official Carl Johnson creates scholarship in honor of his wife Vergie

Marty Roney, Montgomery Advertiser
·2 min read
Vergie Johnson
Vergie Johnson

PRATTVILLE — Vergie Johnson valued education and young people.

And thanks to a new $100,000 scholarship established by her husband, Carl, Vergie Johnson's legacy will live on. Carl Johnson served on the Autauga County Commission for 20 years, including a stint as chairman. He has established the scholarship as a way to remember Vergie.

Vergie Johnson, who died about three years ago, was active in Autauga County. She served on numerous boards and service organizations and working on various projects throughout the county.

"This is just a way to remember her," Carl Johnson said. "I realize how lucky I was. Vergie was always willing to help people and she saw education as the path to a better life."

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She received her masters degree in psychology from Troy University in Montgomery in 2012. Vergie founded the Carlorene House decades ago to serve as a residence for disabled adults. The Johnsons ran the effort side-by-side for decades. Carl Johnson recently sold the business, but remains on the board of directors and is active in the day-to-day operations.

Vergie Johnson receives he masters degree in psychology from Troy University Montgomery in May of 2012
Vergie Johnson receives he masters degree in psychology from Troy University Montgomery in May of 2012

"We're supposed to help people, because we've all been helped by someone in the past," Carl Johnson said. "We'll give out money each year."

The scholarship was announced at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.

Details about the Vergie L. Johnson Scholarship

  • The scholarship will be open to Autauga County residents and will be awarded based on need, academics and the applicant's record of community service.

  • The number of recipients each year is still up in the air, something for the endowment's board to decide.

  • Applicants for the Vergie L. Johnson Scholarship are urged to contact the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church at (334) 361-9379.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Carl Johnson honors wife Vergie with memorial scholarship for Autauga