After nearly 30 years working in the legal field, District Court Judge Vershenia Ballance Johnson — formerly Moody — announced that she is retiring.

“After a long consideration, much prayer and consultation with family and those who have supported me over the years, I am excited to announce that I will not be seeking re-election to the position of district court judge in District 6 — Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton counties.”

Johnson said, “I have loved serving the people of District 6 in my various capacities in the justice system and after 12 years as an assistant district attorney, four years as a criminal defense and family law attorney and 12 years as a district court judge, I am ready for my next phase in life.”

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At the beginning of her career in 1995, Johnson also worked for nearly two years as an associate attorney in New York before moving back home to District 6.  

 “I have dedicated my life and career to this district, raising two children to adulthood and serving daily in our court system in some capacity,” she said in a statement. “I have had the privilege of working with amazing people who give their best to the citizens of this district each and every day. I appreciate their professionalism, their passion and their dedication to our citizens.”

Johnson said, “I grew up in this district and I am so thankful to my community at large for supporting me, for having faith in me and for allowing me to serve them for 28 years. It has been an honor and a privilege and I am so proud to have been a small part of history in our counties.”

A native of Bertie County, Johnson graduated in 1992 from UNC Chapel Hill with a BA in Political Science. She next attended North Carolina Central University Law School, graduating in 1995. 

Johnson then worked at Skadden Arps Law Firm in New York until 1997 when she returned home to District 6B to work with then District Attorney David H. Beard, and following his retirement, with District Attorney Valerie Asbell. 

Johnson’s career continued with four years in private practice followed by four years as an assistant district attorney in Halifax County — then District 6A. 

In 2012 Johnson was elected to the bench and on January 1, 2013, she was sworn in as the first woman and first African American woman elected to serve as a judge in the three-county 6B Judicial District. 

She was also elected for two more four-year terms in the combined District 6 in 2016 and 2020.

“With nearly 30 years in law, I know that now is the right time for me to retire,” she said. “I have full confidence in the young brilliant minds who will follow me and who will continue to promote justice and fairness in our court system. 

“Although I am announcing my retirement now, I will continue to diligently and passionately preside in our district courts until the end of my term on December 31, 2024.”