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JACKSON – A legal career that spanned nearly 30 years was celebrated in grand fashion here Dec. 14 where The Honorable District Court Judge Vershenia Ballance Johnson was honored for the impact she had on the local judicial system.

Johnson, a native of Aulander, served 12 years on the bench, 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney, and four years as a criminal defense and family law attorney.

She announced her retirement last month.

However, as she noted in her remarks at the retirement celebration held at the Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center, the impact she made locally nearly didn’t happen.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law at North Carolina Central University, Johnson moved to New York City where she worked for a prestigious law firm. As she pondered a move back to North Carolina, Johnson said returning to the Roanoke-Chowan area wasn’t in her plans. She interviewed for job openings to work as an attorney in some of the state’s largest cities and came close to accepting an offer with the North Carolina Attorney General’s office in Raleigh. But a call from David Beard, then the local District Attorney whose office was in Murfreesboro, altered those plans.

Johnson accepted Beard’s offer and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives; I wanted interaction with people, so I came home” Johnson said. “I have family here; my parents are here; I raised my kids here; and I built my career here.”

That career, Johnson said, went by fast.

“My decision to retire is based on the fact that, thank God, I still have my health and my strength,” Johnson said. “I want to be able to do things while I’m healthy enough to enjoy it, to include helping to take care of my elderly parents.”

She credited her parents (William “Bill” and Beulah Ballance) for “bringing me up the right way” which served as the foundation for Johnson to build her successful career.

“My goal was to always educate, motivate, and inspire people to do better,” Johnson stressed. “I’ve learned from every single experience along my path and I’m truly humbled and thankful for all those helped me, which includes many of you sitting here tonight.

“As my tour of duty ends, I am happy, fulfilled, and satisfied in the knowledge that each day, no matter what courtroom I was in, I gave it my best. I love you all,” Johnson concluded.

Nicole E. Ballance, sister of the honoree, presided over the retirement celebration.

“I’m inspired by my sister,” she said. “Her journey as a judge has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your dedication to justice, your empathy towards those who stood before you and your unwavering support of others has helped to shape lives and strengthen our community. You have shown us all what it means to lead with integrity and to serve with heart.”

District Court Judge W. Rob Lewis Sr. said he first met Johnson upon her taking the oath as a judge.

“She has worked well as an assistant District Attorney, as a trial attorney, and as a judge, said Lewis. “Over the years I could see her growth and determination and how well she represented the State of North Carolina and her clients. She always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. As a judge she was fair and knowledgeable of the law. She has a heart for serving people.”

Bertie Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin emphasized Johnson’s tenacity as a trial attorney.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for 17 years and I can remember back when Judge Johnson and Tonza Ruffin were attorneys,” Ruffin recalled. “They knew their stuff. I’m so honored to be able to recognize Judge Johnson tonight. Congratulations to you on your retirement.”

District Court Judge Teresa R. Freeman of Halifax County praised her fellow jurist and friend for her life’s work.

“Vershenia is vibrant, heads turn when she walks into a room because of the queenly manner in which she carries herself,” Freeman noted. “Vershenia is vocal because she never hesitates to speak her mind and when she speaks we all listen because her words are meaningful. Vershenia is virtuous as she always displays courage, compassion, generosity, integrity, and fairness. Vershenia is victorious because she overcame the challenges of serving as a lawyer and as a judge by avoiding the legal and ethical pitfalls while doing her job to deliver justice. Her reputation is untarnished and impeccable. We will miss her dearly.”

Ahoskie-based attorney Takiya Lewis-Blalock was recently elected to the District Court Judge seat left vacant by Johnson’s retirement.

“When she was in the courtroom as an assistant DA, she took command of the room,” Lewis-Blalock recalled. “Then, when she became a judge, I learned a lot from her. She didn’t put up with a lot of mess. She wanted the facts of the case, the law, and that’s it. I watched her grow as a judge while I grew as a lawyer.”

When Johnson began pondering retirement from the bench, Lewis-Blalock said she called her into her chambers one day and encouraged her to seek the seat.

“That one day changed everything for me,” Lewis-Blalock said. “It prepared me to get the things together I needed to put myself in a position to run for judge. I thank her so much for that. I’m forever grateful to her.”

Laquitta G. Cooper, Northampton County Clerk of Court, offered her appreciation to Johnson for allowing her to be “a footprint in your journey.”

Cooper said Johnson’s journey began in 1997 as an assistant District Attorney, then as a private practice attorney, and finally as a District Court Judge where she broke a barrier by becoming the first Black female in the

local judicial district to serve in that esteemed capacity.

“You have served with integrity, you respect people, you love people and, most of all, your judgments made all the sense in the world,” Cooper stressed. “Everything you did was in the best interest of the person in front of you. I wish you well.”

Judge Johnson’s daughter and son, Mackenzie and MJ, shared their thoughts about how they were raised by such a caring woman.

“She had a big impact on our lives as well as those in the community,” Mackenzie stated. “We had a relationship where she was not just my mom, but my best friend. She taught me the value of hard work and fairness. She carried those principles into the courtroom every single day where she upheld the law and dignity.

“She gave us, her children, unconditional and unwavering love,” Mackenzie continued. “She cared about our physical and mental health. She was the best mentor, the best cheerleader, and my safe haven. You are my superwoman and I know that you will approach this next phase of your life with the same energy, curiosity, and grace that you brought to your career. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our family, for our community, and most importantly for justice. I love you more than words can describe.”

“To hear what everyone is saying about my mom brings a tear to my eye,” said MJ. “I see the impact she has had on others. I’m so proud of you and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You mean the world to me and I love you,”

Jasper Johnson (US Air Force Master Sergeant, Retired) formally introduced his wife to the banquet attendees.

“I am so, so proud of her,” Mr. Johnson exclaimed.

Judge Johnson was the recipient of several presentations at the event.

Eddie Buffaloe, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, presented her with the Old North State Award on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper.

Joined by other District and Superior Court officials, Judge Freeman gave her colleague a plaque of appreciation and a basket of gifts for her long tenure of service.

Pam Hall read a letter of appreciation from Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Cy Grant to Judge Johnson. Judge Grant was unable to attend the event due to a personal commitment.

Denise Cherry read a tribute to her longtime friend.

Alton Ward, another friend of Judge Johnson, shared his thoughts of a person he described as a “strong woman who is unapologetically proud of who she is and where she came from.”

Led by Lisa Cherry Singletary, all in attendance rose to their feet, raised their glasses, and gave the honoree a retirement toast.