Verna C. Johnson, 93, of Concord, formerly of Cambridge and Wakefield, died December 30, 2013 at Rivercrest in Concord. Born in Wakefield she was the daughter of the late Axil and Alfreda Johnson. Miss Johnson graduated from Wakefield High School in 1936. She received her bachelors degree from Simmons College and remained a loyal and active alumna of the College throughout her life. Upon graduating from Simmons Miss Johnson served as Administrative Assistant and then Executive Associate of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University. She worked with eight deans during her long career and was devoted to the University and her colleagues. She received an Honorary Master of Arts Degree from Harvard in 1971. Her citation read, Through a succession of deans the Faculty of Arts and Sciences has been notably served by the administrative talents of this able and devoted woman. Former President Pusey is quoted at her retirement, .. she could very quickly guide a new dean -- in the efficient administration of an office she honored and served, year after year, dean after dean, with grace and skill. She retired in 1984 having served Harvard for 44 years. Verna Johnson is survived by relatives in Sweden of whom she was very fond and by her cousin Helen Davis of Williamstown, MA, Brad Davis of Falmouth, MA and Barbara Davis of Amherst MA, and their families. A service will be held privately. In her retirement Miss Johnson was one of the first residents of Newbury Court (New England Deaconess Community) in Concord. Contributions in her memory can be made to the New England Deaconess Association Staff Appreciation Fund, 80 Deaconess Road, Concord, MA 01742. Arrangements are under the care of Susan M. Dee and Charles W. Dee, Dee Funeral Home of Concord.