ZEBULON - Vernon Steve Johnson, 71, died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007 at his home. The family received friends Thursday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson. A private service was to be held.

He founded several clothing businesses: Nash Garment Co., Bailey Garment Co., Wake Garment Co., Johnson & Johnson Apparel, and Quality Textiles. In 1972, he opened J & J Apparel Store, where he worked until January 2007. Surviving: his wife, Christie Finch Johnson; daughters, Bonnie Green Johnson (Steve) of Virginia Beach, Va., and Vicki L. Johnson of Los Angeles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Duke Center For Living, 3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705.